In recent times, many people have received notifications from GetGigRefund.com, claiming they are eligible for large refunds due to the financial impact of COVID-19. The website promises relief for those who were self-employed in 2020 and 2021, suggesting the IRS is allowing people to claim retroactive refunds. However, there are many red flags about the legitimacy of this offer. Let’s dive deeper into the reasons why you should be cautious about GetGigRefund.com.
Is GetGigRefund.com Trustworthy?
The website GetGigRefund.com was only registered in June 2024, making it a very new site. Legitimate government programs, especially those offering financial relief, are usually well-established and don’t suddenly appear out of nowhere. The fact that this site is new raises questions about its credibility and trustworthiness.
Why the “.com” Domain Matters
The domain name of this website ends with “.com”, which is important to note. Legitimate government websites typically use domains like “.gov” or “.org”. The fact that this site uses a “.com” domain suggests that it is run by a private company, not a government organization. This is a big warning sign for anyone looking for reliable COVID-19 relief refunds.
Be Careful of Personal Information Requests
One of the most concerning aspects of GetGigRefund.com is that it asks for sensitive personal information, such as your Social Security Number. Legitimate government programs don’t usually ask for this kind of information through random websites. Providing such sensitive details to an unknown website increases the risk of identity theft and fraud.
What Is GetGigRefund.com Really Doing?
When you read the fine print on the website, it says that GetGigRefund.com is not a lender, but works with partner lenders. This means that the site is likely acting as a lead generator, selling your personal information to other companies. This is another big red flag, as it suggests that the site is more interested in collecting and selling data than actually providing financial relief.
Is the Self-Employed Tax Credit Still Available?
Information from various sources indicates that the Self-Employed Tax Credit (SATC) for 2020 is no longer available. Any claims should have been filed by May 17, 2024. While the SATC for 2021 is still open, any amended tax returns for 2021 must be filed by mail, and it can take several months to process.
If you want to file an amended tax return, it is much safer to consult a tax professional or an accountant, rather than relying on potentially fraudulent online offers like GetGigRefund.com.
IRS Warnings About Scams
The IRS has issued several warnings about misleading offers related to tax credits like the SATC. Many of these offers turn out to be scams, and people should be very careful when they receive such claims. Always check the IRS official website or consult with a professional to verify any offers or claims you receive.
Social Media Warnings
Many users on social media have also raised concerns about GetGigRefund.com. Due to the website’s newness and questionable practices, it is best to avoid sharing any information with them. People online are advising others to stay away from this site and to be cautious.
What Should You Do to Protect Yourself?
If you receive notifications from GetGigRefund.com or similar websites, it is best to ignore them. Report any suspicious activity to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help protect others from falling victim to the scam. Always verify the legitimacy of such offers by checking with official government channels and consulting with a tax professional for accurate advice.
Conclusion
The promise of a significant refund may sound tempting, especially after the financial challenges many faced during COVID-19. However, there are numerous warning signs that GetGigRefund.com is likely a scam. To protect yourself, avoid interacting with this website, and always seek trusted sources of information when it comes to financial matters.
