As stimulus checks head out into bank accounts over the next several weeks, the threat of related scams increases.

One local family has already been targeted by a similar scam, but they didn't fall for it.

John Palmer says his sister was at home Thursday afternoon when she got a call on her cell phone.

The person said they were from the federal government, and they they owed her $2,500. They gave out her name, address, number and said all they needed was her bank account number so they could deposit the money.

Palmer says his sister told the caller to send her the money if he had her information. The caller hung up, and she called the police.

The family says a friend got a similar call and did give out account information. He had to have his bank account flagged as a precaution.

The IRS warns of scams like this online, especially since millions of Americans will be expecting the checks. They say they have all the information they need on your tax forms, so they'll never call and ask for personal information.