Erc mailer scam

The ERC Mailer scam!

The ERC Mailer scam is a type of phishing scam that targets individuals, particularly those who have received Economic Relief Checks (ERC) from the US government. Here's how it works:

The Scam:

You receive an email or letter claiming to be from the US Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The message states that you are eligible for an additional Economic Relief Check (ERC) and provides a link to claim it. The email may also ask you to provide personal and financial information, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, and other sensitive data.

The Goal:

The scammers' goal is to trick you into revealing your personal and financial information, which they can use to commit identity theft, steal your money, or file false tax returns in your name.

Red Flags:

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

  1. Urgency: The email or letter creates a sense of urgency, claiming that you must act quickly to claim your ERC.
  2. Suspicious links: The email or letter contains links that may download malware or take you to a fake website designed to steal your information.
  3. Poor grammar and spelling: Legitimate government agencies typically have professional, well-written communications. Be wary of emails with poor grammar and spelling.
  4. Unsolicited contact: If you didn't request information about an ERC, be cautious of unsolicited contact from the government or any other organization.

What to Do:

If you receive an email or letter claiming to be from the US Department of the Treasury or the IRS, do not:

  1. Respond to the email or letter: Do not click on any links or provide personal or financial information.
  2. Call the phone number provided: Scammers may use fake phone numbers to trick you into revealing your information.
  3. Visit the website: Do not visit the website provided in the email or letter, as it may be a phishing site designed to steal your information.

Instead:

  1. Verify the information: Contact the IRS or the US Department of the Treasury directly to verify the authenticity of the email or letter.
  2. Report the scam: Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the IRS.

Remember, the IRS and the US Department of the Treasury will never contact you via email or phone to request personal or financial information. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of an email or letter, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek verification from the government agency directly.