This is the 8th week Money Talks has focused on the financial aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Don't compound your financial troubles by being a victim of scammers targeting your economic impact payment. Guest Wilks Cutrer from MPB's Everyday Tech gave out some advice. http://everydaytech.mpbonline.org/

Beware of scammers wanting to reimburse you for your extra costs during this emergency or sell you items to ensure your protection. Look out for "snake oil salesmen". Watch out for bogus charities.

If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can report it without leaving your home though a number of platforms. Contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via email at [email protected] If it's a cyber scam, submit your complaint through https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus

Those who receive unsolicited emails, text messages or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), should forward it to [email protected].

Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone. Learn more about reporting suspected scams by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page on IRS.gov.

Official IRS information about the COVID-19 pandemic and economic impact payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov. The page is updated quickly when new information is available.

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus-tax-relief-and-economic-impact-payments

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-warning-about-coronavirus-related-scams-watch-out-for-schemes-tied-to-economic-impact-payments

https://www.npr.org/2020/03/26/821457551/whats-inside-the-senate-s-2-trillion-coronavirus-aid-package

http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/money-talks-unemployment MDES

http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/money-talks-cyber-security Cyber Security

http://moneytalks.mpbonline.org/episodes/5cd31f1533f6c1be55607d8c Scams

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