Scammers have set up fake websites to steal the personal information of parents trying to apply for the American Rescue Plan.
Cybercriminals have already created over 50 fake websites in an effort to steal the identities and personal information of US parents set to receive their first child tax credit payments this month. According to a new report from the cybersecurity firm DomainTools, scammers immediately saw an opportunity when US President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law back in March. As part of the plan, parents with children five years or younger will receive checks for $3,600 while those with children between the ages of 6-17 will receive $3,000. Unbeknownst to many parents, these funds will arrive in their accounts automatically as they’re being sent out by the IRS and unlike with last year’s stimulus checks, there is no need to manually enroll in the program. However, this hasn’t stopped struggling parents from trying to enroll in the program online and this presented the perfect opportunity for scammers.
