Fourth Stimulus Check Update: More Money Can Be Claimed, But Beware These Fraudulent Schemes

With financial woes continuing to plague Americans in the face of sky-high inflation and driving even more calls for another round of stimulus check aid, scams are also on the rise to try and get any funds cash-strapped residents may already have.

In a statement to CNBC, IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig reiterated that the IRS would not be contacting anyone through email or text in regards to stimulus checks or their tax refunds, despite a rise in scams that usually coincides with tax filing season.

“With filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds,” he said.

The scams, which are meant to either steal identity information, stimulus or other pandemic-related funds and even actual tax returns, can be perpetuated by email, text, phone calls and even social media messages. The IRS strongly maintains that the only time a text message will be sent to filers is if it is related to IRS Secure Access which also includes a two-factor authentication process.

The rise in scams comes as many Americans prepare to file tax returns for 2021, which will include claims for the third stimulus check, child tax credits and unemployment claims from the previous year.

Those who are worried about funds and eager to use their tax returns to help give them a little more wiggle room again may also be eligible for some aid at the state level as well, depending on where they live.

According to WKRC, following the success of California’s Golden State Stimulus checks in 2021, plans are in place to likely produce another round of them in 2022. Governor Gavin Newsom previously stated he planned to include them in his annual state budget plan as long as there were surplus funds to accommodate them. In addition, New York still has aid available for undocumented workers in the state who have not received any federal aid for the last couple of years.

Indiana is also providing $125 in a refund from the state’s current budget surplus after they file their 2021 tax returns, and Florida’s budget will also potentially include $1,000 bonus checks for teachers, similar to the ones they received in 2021.