How to Deposit Your Stimulus Check Safely and Not Become a Victim of Fraud
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowWith COVID-19 putting a financial strain on American families and businesses, the distribution of stimulus checks was a sign of relief for many but it’s also bringing new scam threats. The Department of Justice and IRS have warned that scammers might try to use COVID-19 to trick consumers into sharing their personal information or money.
The government estimates that more than 80% of Americans will receive a stimulus payment during these challenging times. For many taxpayers, the stimulus payments will be deposited directly into their bank account, but millions of consumers – including many of you reading this — will receive a paper check in the mail.
If you receive a paper check, my message to you is simple: Deposit your check using your bank’s mobile app from your smart phone or tablet instead of coming into your local bank branch. That keeps you safe and helps you comply with Indiana’s stay-at-home order. It’s also very convenient.
It’s also important to note that as digital banking is on the rise, so is financial fraud. So here’s what you need to know about banking digitally and how to stay safe:
Save a Trip
- You can safely use your bank’s mobile app or website to handle most common banking tasks like depositing checks, paying bills, sending money to friends, and locking and unlocking a credit or debit card. Chase customers can go to chase.com/stayconnected to enroll in digital banking, learn how to download the Chase Mobile app and watch how-to videos that walk you through it.
- If you have accounts at another bank, check out their website for their digital and mobile capabilities.
- If you don’t have a bank account check in with BankOn for affordable options that would let you manage your money digitally.
Spot & Avoid
- Financial institutions will not ask for confidential information—such as your name, password, PIN or other account information—when they reach out to you.
- Experts suggest triple-checking any social message, email or solicitation you receive, especially if it mentions COVID-19 and avoiding emails that have an urgent call to action or suspicious links, especially when the call or email asks for personal information.
- Only access your bank via the mobile app or website. Do not click links in an email or on social media.
Report Suspicious Activity
- The Federal Trade Commission offers information about common COVID-19 scams and a form to submit complaints: ftc.gov/complaint.
- The government will never call out of the blue to ask for money or your personal information (like Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers).
- Anyone who tells you to pay by Western Union or Money Gram, or with a gift card, is a scammer. The government and legit businesses will never tell you to pay that way.
At Chase, we’re working hard to give you up-to-date information on how to prepare for these payments and challenging times. For information visit the irs.gov or www.chase.com/stimulus
Please stay safe and take good care of yourself and your loved ones. We’re here to help you map your way during this uncertain time and beyond.
Drue Anderson is the Midwest Divisional Director for Chase Bank, based in Indianapolis.