How to avoid becoming a victim to COVID-19 scams

The Decorah Police Department and the IRS are urging taxpayers to be aware of a growing number of scams relating to the coronavirus economic impact payments.

Decorah Police Chief Dave Smutzler says, "We have not received many COVID-19 scam reports here to date, but historically (and unfortunately), criminals have taken the opportunity to commit fraud in situations such as these."

Some important information to be aware of:

• The IRS will not call you asking to verify or provide financial information so that you can get your refund. The IRS uses traditional mail as its main form of correspondence. If you get a phone call, email, text message, or social media from the IRS asking for personal information before they mail out your check, it's a scam.

• Scammers will emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment." The official term used by the IRS is "Economic Impact Payment."

• Do not sign your check over to anyone who is asking for you to do so.

• Do not give out banking information to anyone that calls/e-mails/texts to request it. A financial institute or government agency will never call you and ask you to identify your personal information (they already have it).

• Payments are being sent out automatically to retirees, so no additional action or information is needed. (Retirees are often specifically targeted by scammers).

• Do not fall for any "get your check faster" schemes. They are fraudulent.

• Beware of receiving a check for an odd amount with instructions asking you to call a number or verify information on-line in order to cash the check.

Other scams to be wary of in reference to COVID-19:

• Phony remedies: No vaccines or drugs have yet been approved to treat or prevent COVID-19. Do not buy into the advertising for antiviral powers of teas, essential oils, etc. in reference to COVID-19.

• Phony fundraising: Be wary of fundraising calls or e-mails seeking money for coronavirus victims or disease research. Do your research before giving money to any organization or individual.

• Phony supplies: Be wary of robocalls or emails advertising that you can get hard-to-obtain surgical masks, household cleaners, and/or test kits.

• Phony text messages: Don't click on any link in a message asking you to take a survey or claiming you've won something ("$1000 to help you past the outbreak has been preaccepted" or "$110 goodies from Costco! That is our stimulus package for loyal customers") Don't click on these type of links, they are fraudulent.

If you get a fraudulent e-mail, or you suspect it may be a scam, forward it to phishing@irs.gov.

"We ask that you stay vigilant during these times," says Smutzler. "Use the common sense approach of if it sounds too good to be true, it is. It's unfortunate that we have to protect ourselves from thieves at this time, but that is what they thrive on."