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As child tax credit payments start hitting family bank accounts, the IRS is already warning about scams. The IRS said the scammers are using multiple tactics including phone, e-mail, text message and social media to obtain recipients' personal information. Families should be aware that if you're being asked in any of these forms of communication to sign up for the Child Tax Credit or to speed up monthly payments is likely a scam. If you happen to receive unsolicited calls or messages, don't provide personal information, click on links or open attachments. If you provide personal information, click on links or open attachments, it could lead to money loss, tax-related fraud, or identity theft. Here are some ways to know if the IRS is truly trying to contact you.
- The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers via e-mail, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information, even information related to the Child Tax Credit.
- The IRS does not leave pre-recorded, urgent, or threatening messages. Aggressive calls warning taxpayers about a lawsuit or arrest are fake.
- The IRS will not call taxpayers asking them to provide or verify financial information so they can obtain the monthly Child Tax Credit payments.
- The IRS will not ask for payment via a gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
If you are eligible for advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, the IRS will use information from your 2020 or 2019 tax return to automatically enroll you for advance payments so you won't have to take any additional action. The first payment of the child tax credit was sent on July 15. The payments will be made on the 15th of each month, unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
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