Cyber criminals use every opportunity to try to scam people out of money. With the Advance Payments of the Child Tax Credit going out to eligible taxpayers, the IRS warns folks to be aware that thieves may use these payments as bait. Be alert to criminals who ask you, by phone, email, text – or even on social media, to verify your information so you can get advance Child Tax Credit payments. Remember…the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. When it comes to phone calls, remember the IRS does not leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. For example, if you get a voice mail saying a warrant will be issued for your arrest… this is not the IRS. If you are eligible for advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, the IRS will use information from your 2019 or 2020 tax return to automatically enroll you for advance payments. You do not need to take any additional action to get advance payments of the child tax credit. If you aren't required to file a tax return and haven't given the IRS your information, you can go to IRS.gov to provide basic information for the Child Tax Credit. To learn more about the advance child tax credit—including who is eligible and how to provide your information to the IRS for this valuable credit, and to learn more about protecting yourself against scams… go to IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021 and IRS.gov/scams.
