Beware of stimulus scams

by Megan Baldino (mbaldino@wsbt.com)

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By WSBT News1

Story Created: Mar 23, 2009 at 4:40 AM EST

Story Updated: Mar 23, 2009 at 10:26 AM EST

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Indiana's attorney general and the Better Business Bureau of Indiana are warning consumers to beware of scams that claim they are linked to the economic stimulus package.

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The Better Business Bureau in Osceola has gotten a number of calls and complaints about email and web scams.

"One of the calls we've been getting is an appeal to those who are in need of government aid and free federal money," said Dreama Jensen, who runs the Osceola BBB office.

But Jensen says many of the emails and websites are fake.

"They are being offered information on how to apply for that grant and then there is a charge for that," said Jensen, "and the prices we have heard are anywhere from $1.99 to $69.95."

Jensen says many of the websites are also soliciting a lot of personal information, and that can lead to identity theft.

The BBB is concerned that with so many in Indiana out of work, many of the offers seem like a good option.

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller issued a consumer alert as well. In it he tells people not to give out their personal information, to delete any stimulus emails, and if someone is offering a job to contact the company directly.

Jensen agrees, saying people should never give out any information about themselves.

"If you didn't initiate the contact, then just do not give out any personal information," she said.

Jensen says there is one scam that uses the IRS as a cover and offers people a stimulus check. She says it's confusing since last year the government did issue stimulus checks. Jensen says there are no checks right now.

For more information on how to protect yourself:

The Better Business Bureau

Office of the Indiana attorney general

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