Don't let modern-day Willie Suttons into your bank account

Willie Sutton denied saying it, but he usually gets credit for coining a popular phrase.

Sutton, who stole $2 million from banks and spent half his adult life in prison, despite escaping twice, was supposedly asked why he robbed banks.

“Because that’s where the money is,” was the reply.

Most of us are used to protecting our cash, bank accounts and credit cards, and while we may get a yearly tax refund, the $1,200 stimulus check that will soon be arriving for most of us is something new.

Be ready for criminals to take advantage of that unfamiliarity.

MarketWatch.com offers five scams to watch out for:

-- The IRS or your bank will never contact you for personal information.

Scammers may have your cell phone number and bank information, but just need your PIN to drain your account. They can “spoof” your bank’s number to appear on your caller idea, so be on guard. The IRS and your bank already have your information, so don’t fall for it. They’ll also never call is a “stimulus check” or “stimulus payment,” since it’s formally called an “economic impact payment.”

-- You’ll never have to click through text or email links to get your money. Delete any texts or emails that require a click-through.

-- Beware new apps related to the coronavirus. They could have malware and be collecting personal information.

-- If you don’t have direct deposit, you’ll never need someone to set up your account. If you don’t have direct deposit, you can submit your banking information to the IRS through a portal or the agency will mail a paper check. Never provide your direct deposit or other banking information to a third party to input on your behalf to the secure IRS portal.

-- After initially saying Social Security recipients would have to file a tax return to get the stimulus money, it reversed itself days later. They don’t have to file a return.

-- You’ll never need to verify your check amount to anyone. The IRS will make that calculation from you 2018 or 2019 tax return, based on your adjusted gross income and number of children.

-- Beware of checks showing up, potentially in an odd amount, that require a call to a number to verify information in order to cash it.

-- Any unsolicited phone caller claiming to have information about stimulus payment is probably a scammer, especially if they are a tough-talking one.

Finally, if you believe you’ve been victimized, call your bank, local law enforcement authorities and/or the federal disaster fraud hotline. The hotline’s number is 866-720-5721 and its e-mail is: disaster@leo.gov.