Moylan Warns of Financial Scams during Pandemic

DES PLAINES, Ill. – Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, state Rep. Marty Moylan, D-Des Plaines, is reminding residents to remain vigilant of financial scams and to keep their assets protected from criminals posing as a representative from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

“It is deplorable that some out there are looking to swindle residents out of their hard-earned money, and during this time of crisis, it is even more shameful,” Moylan said. “Everyone should remain informed and skeptical of these fraudulent schemes to protect your financial stability.”

It is highly recommended not to divulge any personal or financial information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank account numbers or any other information unless you are certain of who you are sending it to. There are various known scams that are used to secure your information and gain access to your money. Scammers may pose as tax entities through email or over the phone asking for your financial information. They may send you links or downloads which can infect your device with viruses and malware. They also often pose as the IRS and issue threats, such as imminent arrests, deportation or suspension of business or driver’s licenses.

The IRS does not act in this manner and will always properly identify itself. They will always send a tax bill in the mail before making a phone call and will never ask for credit or debit card information over the phone. Nor do they ever issue immediate threats over owed taxes. Opportunities for appeal or to question your owed taxes are always offered. Personal tax matters are also never discussed through text or email by the IRS. For more resources regarding consumer protection, or to report fraudulent action, you can visit the Attorney General’s website at https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/index.html.

“It is always important to be cautious when giving our personal financial information to protect your financial health,” Moylan said. “But during this crisis scammers are taking advantage of vulnerable people. This is despicable and cannot be tolerated.”

Residents with concerns about COVID-19 are encouraged to call the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hotline at 1-800-889-3931 or email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV. To stay up to date with all new information about COVID-19, visit coronavirus.illinois.gov.