Warning About Tax Rebate Scam

Regardless of all the talk in Washington D.C., there is no stimulus check headed your way yet. And there might not be depending on what we demand from our Congressional representatives and senators.

Here's a scam warning from the Department of Consumer Affairs on the issue:
The possibility of another economic stimulus check for consumers has led to a resurgence in the tax rebate scam. The scam initially appeared a year ago when the first economic stimulus package was proposed by President George W. Bush, which included a tax rebate check for consumers. Pretending to be government officials, scammers attempted to solicit personal information, including social security and bank account numbers from consumers.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers a new variation of this scam has been uncovered in South Carolina. The scam begins with a fake check and the promise of thousands of dollars in the form of a “secondary stimulus check” if you take the time to register. A telephone number provided for more information takes you to a pre-recorded message pitching an information packet consumers can purchase. The packet instructs consumers how to make money on “foreclosed homes.” The scammers claim you can receive thousands of dollars in regular cash payments by taking advantage of government programs related to foreclosed properties.

This is a scam. There is no second stimulus check at this time. There are no government programs that will pay you thousands of dollars to buy foreclosed properties. If you receive one of these letters or telephone calls, report it to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs or destroy it. If you have already fallen prey to this scheme, please contact the Department immediately.

Consumers are reminded:

Any unsolicited check in the mail from a business, organization, lottery or sweepstake is fraudulent.

You should never give out personal information over the phone to unknown callers or businesses.

No one from the government will ever call you to verify any personal information or to “qualify” you for a stimulus check.

For more information, contact the Public Information Division at 803.734.4190, toll free in SC at 1.800.922.1594, or online at www.scconsumer.gov.