The economic stimulus package has given scam artists a new angle. These scammers are taking advantage of the hype surrounding the President’s Economic Stimulus package.

Don’t get scammed! Learn how to protect yourself. 

Direct Mail – taking advantage of the word “RECESSION”

Consumers are receiving direct mail marked “private and confidential”, usually where a return address should be. The letter inside says something like “RECESSION RELIEF”, and there is a check, made out to you. You are asked to deposit the check and send in a small processing fee… then you’ll get your full “RELIEF” check.

The letter is designed to confuse because, when you read beyond the bolded word “RECESSION”, you see that the check is purportedly for prize money that you’ve won. It has nothing to do with the recession or the President’s economic stimulus plan.

The underlying message of the scam is: “here’s how to get your piece of the President’s stimulus package. All you need to do is give us a small amount of personal information and/or send in a small payment, and you’ll get a big amount of money back.” Not true! This is a variation on the Nigerian check scam that’s designed to take advantage of people’s desperation and hope to get something from the government. Don’t fall for it!

Phishing – phony e-mails promising expedited payments of “stimulus checks”

Consumers are receiving e-mail messages asking for bank account information so that consumers can have their share of the stimulus deposited directly into their bank accounts. These e-mail messages may seem to come from a government agency, and they may ask you to “verify” that you qualify for a payment. When you go to the website, it looks official, sometimes with a picture of President Obama.

First, there are no stimulus checks as part of President Obama’s plan.

Second, if you provide your information, these con artists will drain your bank account dry and be gone in a flash. Even worse, you may fall victim to identify theft down the road.

Some of the messages are even more insidious. Just clicking on the links contained in the e-mail launches malicious software or spyware that can obtain your information without you ever providing it.

Phony Grants – websites promising that they can get you money from the “stimulus fund”

These websites look very official. They use deceptive names and may include images of President Obama or Vice President Biden, making them look legitimate. They are not! These grants do not exist. Yes, there will be new grant money, but most of it is going to existing programs and state and local organizations that already have grants or grant programs.