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FBI urges vigilance against scams targeting coronavirus stimulus checks

Posted at 9:24 AM, Mar 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 15:41:32-04

INDIANAPOLIS — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning people to beware of scams related to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a news release, the FBI issued an alert that phone calls, texts or emails asking for personal or financial information in order to get the $1,200 federal payment check that was included in last week's $2 trillion stimulus bill are not legitimate. People can report fraud by filing a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.

The FBI set up a website dedicated to information about COVID-19 fraud that includes instructions on what to look for and where to report it.

Among the threats highlighted include warnings about fraudulent sales of COVID-19 medical equipment and an increased risk of child exploitation due to closed schools.