LOCAL NEWS — According to the IRS, stimulus checks from the C.A.R.E.S. Act will start being distributed over the next three weeks and for the vast majority, the funds will be automatically distributed. No action is required by individuals. As long as you filed taxes in 2018 or 2019, the government likely has the information it needs already. Social Security recipients will also automatically receive money. You do not need to sign up to receive a check.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns the general public not to fall for scammers claiming they can get you your money early. “No one has early access to this money,” the FTC says.

The FTC also stress that no one from the IRS or any other government agency will ever call you asking for personal information over the phone. Never give out your Social Security number, Pay Pal account, banking account info, and other personal data to someone who contacts you out of the blue.

“Additionally, do not click on links in texts or emails relating to Economic Impact Payments, as this could allow scammers to place tracking devices on your electronic devices and gain access to your personal information for later use. Do not engage with scammers or thieves, simply hang up or delete texts/emails,” Matthew D. Line with the IRS Criminal Division said in a press release.

If you receive a scam call or other communication, you can report it by clicking here. For more information, visit the IRS economic impact payments website by clicking here. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, the Lynchburg Music Fest, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}