'Local Hero Fund': What Every Taxpayer Must Know About The New Social Media Crowdsourcing Rumor
1. **The Trending Rumor**: A viral social media post claims the government is launching a "Local Hero Fund," where taxpayers can claim a quarterly cash payout for nominating community volunteers. This is false, originating from a parody account.
2. **Your Tax Dollars are Safe**: The rumor suggests this program is funded by a new "service fee" added to your income tax. This is completely fabricated. No such tax or fee has been passed by Congress.
3. **The Real Trap**: Scammers are using this false narrative to create fake government portals. If you click a link from the viral post, scammers will ask for your taxpayer ID and bank details to "register" for the non-existent fund.
4. **What the IRS Actually Says**: The IRS has issued a warning. They confirm no such program exists. The agency reminds taxpayers that any unsolicited offer promising government cash requiring personal information is a classic phishing scheme.
5. **Your Next Step**: Do not engage with the post or click any links. Instead, report the post as misinformation on the platform and, if you shared it, delete it immediately to prevent other taxpayers from falling victim.