The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to new scam tactics that prey on the fear and uncertainty of taxpayers and small businesses seeking relief. Many of the latest scams circulating by phone, email and text offer assistance with the Paycheck Protection Program loans or promise early delivery of the $1,200 IRS economic impact payments.
If you are contacted by an unfamiliar source, offering services in exchange for your business financials, social security number or immediate payment, it is most likely a scam. Always question the legitimacy and confirm its source before taking any action.
As a reminder, the IRS will never request confidential information by email, text or social media. Neither the IRS nor U.S. Small Business Administration are reaching out to taxpayers about relief programs at this time.
If you are unsure if a communication is from a trustworthy source, please contact your Grassi advisor or email our Crisis Response & Recovery team at response@grassiadvisors.com.
