Previous | What does the federal payroll tax deferral mean to you? Next | How merchant services can help small businesses
October 15, 2020 / Ray Wills
Three ways to protect yourself from stimulus scams

Three ways to protect yourself from stimulus scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is cautioning Americans to be mindful of various schemes targeting Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks. Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself if Congress passes a second stimulus package:

male looking at big fraudulent checkDon’t pay to receive your stimulus payment.
If there’s another stimulus payment, it will look a lot like the first one. No one will call you and request your social security, bank account or credit card number. And those who qualify will receive their payment via direct deposit or paper check, just like before. You will never have to pay to receive your Economic Impact Payment.

Don’t pay for job opportunities.
Scammers know that millions of people need jobs, and they’ll be happy to charge you for what winds up being nothing. Scammers also pay for online ads, promising you ways to earn money online. But do your research before you sign up—and certainly before you pay.

Never pay up front for mortgage assistance.
According to the FTC, it’s actually illegal for companies to charge you before they assist you with your mortgage. Unfortunately, that doesn’t keep scammers from trying. If you find yourself behind on your mortgage, contact your mortgage servicer as soon as possible to discuss your options. Whether you rent or own, consult a legal services organization if you believe you’re facing foreclosure or eviction.

If you encounter any of these scams, immediately report them to the FTC here.

Ray Wills is the security officer at F&M Trust

Recent Articles
How merchant services can help small businesses
How merchant services can help small businesses

How merchant services can help small businesses

November 19, 2024 / Cynthia Marconi

Cell phones are a target for scammers
Cell phones are a target for scammers

Cell phones are a target for scammers

November 12, 2024 / Ray Wills

Saving and investing tips for veterans
Saving and investing tips for veterans

Saving and investing tips for veterans

November 05, 2024 / U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Preparing to rent your first apartment
Preparing to rent your first apartment

Preparing to rent your first apartment

October 24, 2024 / Zach Hendricks

When it’s time to manage your parents’ finances
When it’s time to manage your parents’ finances

When it’s time to manage your parents’ finances

October 17, 2024 / Alyssa Proctor

The importance of special needs trusts
The importance of special needs trusts

The importance of special needs trusts

October 10, 2024 / Erin Sunday

How to safely use digital banking
How to safely use digital banking

How to safely use digital banking

October 03, 2024 / Ray Wills

It’s never too early to save for the holidays
It’s never too early to save for the holidays

It’s never too early to save for the holidays

September 26, 2024 / Pheonix Gilbert

How to set SMART financial goals
How to set SMART financial goals

How to set SMART financial goals

September 19, 2024 / Pheonix Gilbert

Join our e-newsletter

Sign up for our e-newsletter to get new content each month.

NOTICE: YOU ARE LEAVING F&M TRUST!

You are now leaving the F&M Trust website. Links to third-party sites are provided for your convenience. Such sites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility standards as ours. F&M Trust neither endorses nor guarantees offerings of the third-party providers, nor is F&M Trust responsible for the security, content or availability of third-party sites, their partners or advertisers.