Stimulus Check Phishing Scam

That’s right – there are those out there waiting for the opportunity to capitalize on the mass financial refund millions of Americans will be receiving over the next 2 ½ months.

The phishing e-mails have already started and are claiming to be from the IRS and have a subject line of "2008 Economic Stimulus Refund."

The phish content says something like: "Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush's program to jumpstart the economy." Or, "Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund," or some variation along these lines.

But by clicking on the link, instead of a payoff, unwary computer users land on a prototypical phishing site. Once there, they are prompted to enter their bank routing number and checking account number with the promise that the rebate will be directly deposited into their checking account. 

Rogue Federal will never send you e-mails or call you asking you to verify account information and advises you to never provide your account information to someone requesting it via e-mail, phone, or mail.