Local resident’s stimulus stolen

COVID-19 has hit hard for everyone, not least of all for the disabled and the elderly. Combined with that, identity theft is a steadily growing problem in today’s world, and it can be difficult to discern when one is being scammed to give personal information out that can compromise the safety and security of the individual.

One such case comes in the form of Brianna Clarisse Banks, 24, who pleaded guilty to theft of government money on April 14 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy Payne.

In April of 2020, the U.S. Treasury issued an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) check in the amount of $1,200 made payable to an individual in Avinger and mailed it to that individual’s post office box. Banks stole the EIP check from the individual’s post office box and then used the victim’s name, social security number, and date of birth to open a checking account, but used her own mailing address for the address on the account. Banks deposited the stolen EIP check into the fraudulently opened bank account and then withdrew the funds and spent them for her own benefit.

“COVID has been financially devastating for many East Texans, especially for those who were already struggling,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “Thieves who take the federal funds intended for the financially vulnerable will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas.”

A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Banks on Jan. 20, 2021. Under federal statutes, Banks faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

According to Sheriff Larry Rowe, there have only been a few cases like this that his department is working on, where criminals have stolen stimulus payments. However, individuals should still be careful not to give out personal information. Scammers may claim to be from the IRS, a law enforcement agency or some other noteworthy company or organization, but bureaus like the IRS will never call you asking for this information.

One red flag experts caution individuals to look out for is unsolicited calls and emails. In order to protect yourself, most experts advise that if the phone number is unfamiliar, let it roll over into voicemail for further scrutiny. If the caller claims to be from the IRS or another government agency, look up their number on an official website and return the call there. Again, the IRS and other government agencies will never call, text, email, or contact you on social media to ask for your social security number, bank account, or credit card number, so if an individual does receive something like this, it is likely a scam.

Other red flags experts caution to look out for include messages that ask to verify or provide information, high pressure tactics like asking for sensitive information immediately and following up with threats such as not receiving an EIP check if action is not taken, and scams that charge a “processing fee” to get an EIP check faster. All of these are signs that a scammer might be trying to get a hold of sensitive information from an individual and should be considered with extreme scrutiny.

Additionally, individuals can check the status of their stimulus payment and eligibility by going directly to the IRS website. If you think you may be facing a scam, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.