TEXT SCAMS
Text message scams may falsely advertise a cure or an offer to be tested for coronavirus. Do not click on links in texts related to the virus, and check cdc.gov/coronavirus for the most current information.

Some text scams are impersonating government agencies. The FCC has learned of a text scam claiming to be from the “FCC Financial Care Center” and offering $30,000 in COVID-19 relief. There is no FCC program to provide relief funds to consumers. The text is likely a phishing attempt to get banking or other personal information from its victims.

The Better Business Bureau is warning of a text message scam impersonating the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Recipients receive a message stating they must take a “mandatory online COVID-19 test” using a provided link.

Another government imposter text begins with “IRS COVID-19 News” and includes a link and instructions for recipients “to register/update your information to receive the economic impact payment regardless of your status.” The link points to a website designed to look like the IRS’s and requests identifying information, including date of birth, social security number, and filing status. Ultimately, it requests a debit or credit card number to “verify your identity.”