With stimulus money on the way to every American, the Internal Revenue Service is worried that scammers may try to steal money right out of your pocket.

So IRS criminal investigators hope to get the warnings out early. The bottom line: Be careful and wary when someone calls you on the phone, or sends you an email or text. You don't have to verify any information or pay a fee to get your money. There is no way to get it faster either.

"Unfortunately, what we know goes on with these scammers and these bad guys is they try to take advantage of people's emotions and things going on in the world in real time, and hook on to that as quick as they can and get some money out of it," Special Agent Robert Glantz said. "This is something that's in everyone's head, not just the virus, but the U.S. economic impact payments."

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Scammers already are exploiting coronavirus fears. On Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission saId it has received more than 7,800 coronavirus-related reports from consumers since the beginning of the year, double the number from just a week ago.

In fraud complaints that mentioned the coronavirus, everything from travel refunds and business and government impostor scams, to texting and online shopping scams, consumers reported losing a total of $4.77 million, with a median loss of $598.

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"Consumers should be aware that anytime the government is sending out free money, that is music to scammers' ears," said John Breyault, vice president of public policy, telecommunications and fraud at the National Consumers League in Washington D.C.

"They are trying to get in the way and get consumers to give them the money rather than being able to put it towards paying the bills or keeping the lights on."

As part of the $2 trillion stimulus package signed by President Donald Trump last month, most Americans who meet income qualifications will receive a $1,200 payment. Joint fillers will receive up to $2,400. The money, expected in the coming weeks, will either be direct deposited into taxpayers' bank accounts or they will receive a paper check.

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Scammers may try to convince you to sign over your check to them. They may try to get you to "verify" your filing information, such as your Social Security number, in order to receive your money, authorities said. They'll later to use your personal information to file false tax returns or commit some other fraud, authorities said.

"Even during a deadly nationwide pandemic, ruthless criminals will take this opportunity to prey upon our fears in order to try and line their own pockets by stealing your money or your personal information,” said John R. Tafur, special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigations field office in Newark, in a statement.

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Everyone receiving money from the government for the COVID-19 stimulus package is at risk, the IRS said.

According to Tafur and other consumer experts, here's what you need to know:

The IRS will deposit your check into the direct deposit account you previously provided on your tax return, or send you a paper check if you don't have direct deposit.

The IRS will never call you and ask you to verify your payment details. Don't give out your bank account, debit account or even your PayPal information. "If someone claims it is necessary to get your check, it's a scam," the IRS said.

Don't engage scammers or thieves who call on the phone, even if it's just to say you know it's a scam. Just hang up the phone.

Did you get a text or email that you can get your your money faster by sending personal information or clicking on links? It's a lie. Don't click on links and delete the emails or texts. Links can lead to malicious software that will be downloaded to your computer.

There are also reports of "bogus checks." If you receive what looks like a check now, it's a fake. It will take weeks for the U.S. Treasury to mail checks out. And if the check is for an odd amount, has cents or requires you to verify by calling a number, it's a fake, the IRS said.

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"In these uncertain and trying times, we need to stand together united with purpose," the IRS investigation unit said. "Don’t become a victim by allowing criminals to exploit your emotions. Stay strong, tell your family, friends and neighbors about these scams."

David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There and Press on Your Side columns and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.