Attorney General William Tong and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull today warned Connecticut residents to be on the lookout for potential scams involving future stimulus checks from the federal government.
After the federal government enacted a $2 trillion economic stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General and Department of Consumer Protection are starting to receive reports of bad actors looking to steal Americans’ personal information and money.
“Now that the federal government has passed an economic stimulus package to bring relief to individuals and businesses, it’s important that we remain vigilant of bad actors. Scam artists will use this public health emergency and much-needed relief as a way to profit off of the public’s fears and vulnerabilities. If you receive a text message, email or phone call from someone claiming to be from the federal government, do not fall for it. Do your research before you click on a link or share information,” said Attorney General Tong.
"We're urging consumers and families to be aware of scam artists that may be taking advantage of the news about the federal stimulus package," said Consumer Protection Commissioner Seagull. "Remember, the government will never charge you in order for you to receive a check. If you receive an email, call, or text asking you for personal information or money in exchange for your stimulus check, it's a scam."
Attorney General Tong and Commissioner Seagull are urging residents to look out for suspicious emails, text messages or mail that ask residents to claim their potential government stimulus check and ask for personal information.
Residents should follow these tips to prevent falling victim to a scam artist:
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The federal government will not ask you to pay money upfront to receive a stimulus check. No fees. No charges.
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The federal government will never call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who asks for this personal identifying information is a scammer.
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No matter how the payment is disbursed, only a scammer will ask you to pay to receive it.
If you receive a suspicious phone call, email or text message, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5000 or attorney.general@ct.gov or contact the Department of Consumer Protection at dcp.complaints@ct.gov.
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Media Contacts:
Office of the Attorney General
Elizabeth Benton
elizabeth.benton@ct.gov
(860) 214-0937 (cell)
Department of Consumer Protection
Lora Rae Anderson
lorarae.anderson@ct.gov
(860) 247-8711 (cell)