For many scam artists, following the money means following the headlines.

And they are always on the lookout. The latest scam plays off the the government’s plan to send rebate checks to consumers. While the checks won't be arriving for some time, news organizations are reporting that the crooks are not wasting time.

Here’s how it works: Scammers claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service or the Social Security Administration call and say they need your information to be able to deposit your rebate directly into your account. And this is where they get people. People are wanting the money so badly that they are not thinking that it seems odd that someone from the IRS or the Social Security would ask for your checking account number, social security number, or other piece of personal information on the phone or in an email. When they get this information, guess what, IDENTITY THEFT.

The Federal Trade Commission, cautions people not to give out heir personal informatuion

Just remember the IRS does NOT ask for personal information on the phone or in an email.

If you get a call or email from someone who says they are from the Social Security Administration, who asks for your personal information, DO NOT GIVE them the information, say you’re not interested, and politely hang up. Then call 1-800-772-1213, to reports the phony call. Or you can visit http?;;www.ssa.gov.

If you think you’ve been scammed, file a complaint at http://www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP. If you think your identity’s been stolen, visit http://www.ftc.gov/idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT.