D.A.’s Office Warns of Fake Federal Stimulus Check Scam

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office warned the public Friday about con artists who are scamming the public by offering to send federal stimulus check money by check or direct deposit.

Scammers ask for an upfront payment to receive the aid or for a consumer’s Social Security number, bank account or credit card details, according to the office’s “FraudFriday” alert.

Fraudsters are also impersonating retailers by sending fake texts or social media posts to offer stimulus checks, with messages containing a malicious link that could steal a consumer’s information, according to the alert.

The District Attorney’s Office suggested the following tips:

— The government will not ask for payment of a fee to receive aid;

— The government will not ask for a Social Security number, bank account or credit card information;

— Contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint if fraudulent activity is suspected.