Uncle Sam plans to issue economic recovery checks early

San Antonio taxpayers should start receiving economic stimulus rebate checks on Monday, April 28, as the U.S. Treasury will be depositing money directly into accounts almost a week early.

However, U.S. Rep. Ciro D. Rodriguez, D-San Antonio, warned consumers Friday that there might be criminals posing as IRS agents. Scam artists are using the economic recovery rebates as a way to steal taxpayers' identities, he says.

Rebate checks were originally slated to go out Friday, May 2.

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If a person calls a consumer and asks for a Social Security number and bank account to complete a rebate, Rodriguez says that person should hang up the phone and report it to the IRS at 1-800-366-4484.

"People need to be aware that there is fraudulent activity happening and should be careful with their personal information," Rodriguez says. "Law enforcement and the IRS are doing everything they can to prevent this activity."

Individuals who filed a tax return for the 2007 reporting year can expect to receive up to $600 back from the government; married couples can expect $1,200 plus an additional $300 per child.