Don’t Fall Victim To This 2025 Stimulus Check Scam

Did you get a text message claiming to be from the IRS telling you you’re eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check? If you did, don’t click on the link.

A recent scam alert from the Better Business Bureau warns Americans about IRS imposters targeting consumers with false promises of a 2025 stimulus check. The scam text message claims you are eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and directs you to a purported IRS webpage. This is a phishing scam designed to steal your personal information and potentially infect your devices with malware.

The Anatomy Of The Stimulus Check Scam

Scammers are capitalizing on the lingering memory of people receiving a pandemic stimulus check, when the government sent out billions in direct relief. They know that many Americans are still hoping for financial relief in these challenging economic times and are piggybacking on actual stimulus check payments that the IRS is sending to those who didn’t claim 2023 stimulus checks.

Here’s how the scam works according to the BBB: “You receive a text from what appears to be the IRS. The text claims that you’re eligible to receive a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and that you should provide your personal information. The scammer claims that the amount will be deposited into your bank account or mailed by check within 1 to 2 business days.”

The provided link mimics the look and feel of the official IRS website. Once clicked, it either leads to a fraudulent form that asks for your Social Security Number, bank account details, and other sensitive personal information or installs malware on your device.

Why The Stimulus Check Scam Is So Convincing

The sophistication of the stimulus check scam and others lies in their ability to mimic recent government communications. In late December 2024, the IRS announced it was sending out stimulus checks to cover those who hadn’t claimed the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2023 tax returns. That real news has left many Americans primed to expect further relief, making the scam’s promise of a $1,400 check particularly enticing.

Scammers also exploit behavioral economics biases. The idea of receiving free money taps into our natural aversion to missing out and the default assumption that any message appearing to be from the government is legitimate. By invoking urgency and using persuasive language, these fraudsters rely on our tendency to act quickly without verifying details—a classic case of default bias and anchoring at work.

Practical Tips To Avoid The 2025 Stimulus Check Scam

So, how can you protect yourself from falling victim to this fraudulent scheme? Here are some actionable steps to safeguard your personal information:

• Verify Before You Click: Always remember that genuine IRS communications are sent via postal mail—not through text messages, emails, or social media. Remember that “the IRS does not contact taxpayers via text, email, or social media, and they will never request information this way,” guides the BBB. Don’t click the link if you receive any unsolicited message claiming you’re eligible for a stimulus check.
• Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to force you to act without thinking. If a message demands immediate action—such as claiming that your check will be deposited within one or two business days—take a step back and evaluate the claim critically. Genuine government processes do not operate on such compressed timelines.
• Check Official Channels: Familiarize yourself with how the IRS communicates. Actual notices are sent by mail, and any updates about your stimulus check will be posted on the official IRS website. Cross-check any message you receive with these trusted sources. For the stimulus check scam, go directly to IRS.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your status.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve received a scam message, report it immediately. Forward any suspicious emails or texts to [email protected] and report the incident to the Better Business Bureau’s ScamTracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker). Doing so, you help authorities track and shut down these fraudulent operations.

The Upshot Of The Stimulus Check Scam

While the promise of a stimulus check in 2025 is undeniably enticing, don’t let the allure of a quick financial windfall cloud your judgment. The scam claiming a $1,400 stimulus check via text is a phishing scheme designed to harvest your data. The IRS will not contact you through unsolicited digital messages; any genuine communication will come through official channels like postal mail or verified online tools. Stay vigilant as it is likely that scammers will continue to capitalize on current events, such as DOGE Dividend checks.