"[Rhode Island] Attorney General Peter F. Neronha urges the public to be vigilant as new scams emerge in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Call, e-mails, or text messages promising federal aid checks and seeking upfront payment, bank account information, social security numbers or other personally identifiable information are scams. Individuals should not share personally identifiable information in response to these solicitations.

"The checks do not exist yet. If you receive a message promising you that money, it's a scam," said Attorney General Neronha. "These are challenging times and many people could use some relief. Unfortunately, there are scammers who will try and take advantage of people in need. If you see it, call us. The more information we get from the public, the more we can get the word out to help others."

msn.com/en-us/news/us/ri-attorney-general-be-aware-of-stimulus-check-scams/ar-BB11vGah