Security News > 2020 > April > Cybersecurity experts warn of scams targeting coronavirus stimulus checks
While this move by the government was lauded by many, cybersecurity experts noticed that almost immediately, cybercriminals kickstarted efforts to either steal the money coming to people or set up scams using potential stimulus checks as ways to steal people's information.
A number of cybersecurity experts said the scams will resemble the typical IRS and tax season scams that have become increasingly common over the past decade.
Criminals have long sought to steal tax returns and other government assistance through a variety of methods, but with the coronavirus pandemic putting millions in financially stressful situations, people are particularly susceptible to falling for a variety of scams designed to lure people into either handing over personal information or gaining access to bank accounts.
IntSights cyber threat analyst Charity Wright and chief security officer Etay Maor both said people should be ready for stimulus check-related scams in the coming weeks and months.
The stimulus check scams bring on an additional level of engagement because so many people have a time critical need for the stimulus checks.