COVID-19 Stimulus Checks: Ohio A.G. Yost “Thieves are drooling”

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost urged Ohioans to watch out for thieves as stimulus payments arrive from the federal government.

“Thieves are drooling at the thought if getting their hands on your stimulus money,” Yost said. “Use these tips to send the home with nothing but the bitter taste of defeat.”

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Under the plan signed last week, the federal government will provide stimulus checks under these general guidelines (some exceptions apply):

$1,200 payment to individual taxpayers making under $75,000.
$2,400 payment for married couples filing jointly making under $150,000.
An additional $500 per qualifying child under the age of 17.

Yost notes in his tips:
– You don’t have to sign up for the stimulus
– Don’t fall for scams claiming you need to pay money to receive your stimulus payment. 
– Watch out for anyone telling you they can get you an instant payment or speed up the process. Do not provide personal information or pay a “processing fee” to supposedly receive a quicker payment. 
– Don’t click on links or download attachments unless you have verified the source and know it is legitimate.
– The government will not call you asking for Social Security, credit card or bank account numbers, including PayPal (which will NOT be used)
– You should get a paper notice in the mail a couple weeks after your payment is sent, letting you know where it was sent and when.

For more information, consumers should visit the IRS website and other legitimate government agency websites and stay tuned for updates from reliable news sources.

Consumers who suspect an unfair or deceptive sales practice should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.orgor 800-282-0515.