WEST MICHIGAN — Criminal scams are lurking as Washington D.C. plans to send out stimulus checks, according to the Better Business Bureau.
With many Americans eligible for up to $1200, and a little more if you’re married with kids, after congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus bill; Troy Baker with the BBB says scammers are praying on the uncertainty of how people will get their money.
“Don’t click on links you don’t know,” Baker told to Fox 17 News.
He says criminals are sending out texts and e-mails, asking seemingly harmless questions about your address and where the ‘government’ can send your checks to.
“The government is not going to send you a text message or an e-mail about this stimulus, that's not how it works,” said Baker.
The government is sending out checks based on information used in previous tax returns. Baker says anytime you receive a text or an e-mail about your check, it’s a scam.
Keep in mind, if you’re gross income is above $99,000, you won’t receive a stimulus check. In a press briefing, President Donald Trump told reporters he was hopeful checks would be in the mail soon but it may take weeks before the bulk of payments go out.
If you’d like to report a scam, head to the Better Business Bureau's website.