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Please visit Coronavirus stimulus payment scams: What you need to know for the most recent information.

 

As the Coronavirus takes a growing toll on people’s pocketbooks, there are reports that the government will soon be sending money by check or direct deposit to each of us. The details are still being worked out, but there are a few really important things to know, no matter what this looks like.

 

1. The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. No fees. No charges. No nothing.

2. The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

3. These reports of checks aren’t yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

Look, normally we’d wait to know what the payment plan looks like before we put out a message like this. But these aren’t normal times. And we predict that the scammers are gearing up to take advantage of this.

So, remember: no matter what this payment winds up being, only scammers will ask you to pay to get it. If you spot one of these scams, please tell the Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/complaint. We’re doing our best to stop these scammers in their tracks, and your report will help.

Keep up to date with the latest Coronavirus-related scams at www.ftc.gov/coronavirus or by signing up to get these consumer alerts. 

Watch these videos for more tips on how to avoid ecomonic impact payment scams:

FTC tips to avoid economic impact payment scams

Updated link added on April 21, 2020.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Isabell
March 19, 2020
Are the people on Social security and SSI getting the stimulas check in April 2020
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Isabell

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

Worried girl
March 19, 2020
I feel so helpless knowing that only people that made enough to file taxes were received the stimulus money. I was labeled disabled before I was able to make enough work credits so I only get SSI and I cannot file income taxes. But I have a child at home and I am pregnant and I do not have enough money to prepare for this virus with the teenage boy at home eating every time he passes the kitchen and me being pregnant and needing to eat to feed the child that's in my stomach. The SSI is barely enough for me to pay my bills every month so how can I buy things to protect my family. I almost feel like I'm not even worth it so the government. I was born with this disability I didn't ask for it. It hurts and it's not fair that we are not eligible for the stimulus package. God bless America
katzb620
April 06, 2020

In reply to by Worried girl

Worried girl, you will get the $1,200 and I don't know how this exactly works, but since you have children you should be eligible for the $500 per child, I wish you the best of luck
Just Wondering
April 14, 2020

In reply to by katzb620

I did not have a job in the year 2019, therefor did not pay any taxes, but I had a job in 2018. Do I still get the stimulus check? Signing off Just wondering
Dewey
March 19, 2020
A friend who has been working here and paying taxes for 20 years. She & husband got their social security numbers to work legally last year. They are waiting to get green cards. Are they eligible for these payments, or do you hff have to be Amerixan citizens? Their 3 kids are.
Albert
March 19, 2020
I have some family members and friends that are only US residents if Government send checks are they going to be able to get it too to those checks are only for Citizens
Trina
March 19, 2020
I just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work!! Please tell everybody who is working so hard to get the situation under control that we appreciate their efforts! Take care and stay safe!!
LaQuetta
March 19, 2020
Being DISABLED ♿ by a DRUNK DRIVER on 02-15-1998 when I was only 36 and immediately DISABLED for life as well as having several friends who are Veterans and many family members are over 60 & 70 and on SOCIAL SECURITY or SSI or DISABILITY Benefits nothing has been said about if we are going to be receiving a Stimulus Check! The biggest part of us are already having a hard time getting buy and rely on Pantries or the Food Bank to help us out, even people who work but are low income needs help as well. I just want to know if being on Benefits is going to go against us? It's like the Government would be kind of Prejudice towards people unable to work and receiving Government Benefits that our families and ourselves paid taxes for.
Tk023
March 19, 2020
The bank account I use from last year's taxes is closed where can I update ??
KAT
March 19, 2020
Will people on Social security disability be receiving a check from the government due to the pandemic?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by KAT

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

Yesplease
March 19, 2020
Can an unemployed person receive this? lost job March 6, right before the shutdown. Sf bay area
GE
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Yesplease

Unemployed are to receive check direct deposit if possible.
Oliviams
March 19, 2020
Do we have to sighn up to get check from government
Kerry Lyn
March 19, 2020
I really hope we get a stimulus check as well! I only receive $780 a month in SSI and I have to support a 12 year old child on that with no additional child support. Surviving every month is absolutely hell especially with the increase in economy. I really don't understand how they expected us to live when you can't even find rent less than what I get in worst parts of town. And then covid19 came crashing down and we all have to scatter and try to buy whatever we can to prepare for this lockdown!
Self employed …
March 19, 2020
I'm just freaking out about my income.. not worried about getting any extra. Typically we live paycheck to paycheck, as I am self employed. We don't get government assistance and I'm raising 2 little boys, 1 of which his dads support is always a nice surprise, and the other whose mother is claiming him on her food stamps (my husband has custody of during the school year then shared in the summer). I'm a hairstylist and forced to quit working so until my husband is forced to close, his low paying manager job is all we have.
happy camper78
March 19, 2020
So do people that works for cash jobs like handyywork get checks also cus I am out of work n not planning on going around town not knowing if I am safe r not
Thomas
April 12, 2020

In reply to by happy camper78

I have son stage 4 heart failure in Illinois cannot work has no benefits I pay his rent so has shelter ?Will he b eligible stinks check no tax in 10 years due to heart only gets link I. Illinois cook cty
Daggi
March 19, 2020
What about Taxpayers that are Greencard holders
AmericanVetera…
March 19, 2020
Im a widower, I'm a totally disabled veteran, i have 4 kids. & after losing my wife to cancer I'm now losing my mother to the very same cancer. & in a 5 year span lost almost all the family on my side to muder, tragic accidents, & on my late wifes side to old age, tragic accidental death, & illnesses. Leaving only my mom, my grandfather, & on my late wifes side her grandmother. This is all me & my kids have left. Im so far in debt from cancer/medical bills. & so on. I dont even have the money to get any kind of stock in food or the most rare TP. & as of right now our clothes dryer just stopped working. Im concerned if I will get a check. Because the last time this happened for a stemulis check my wife was alive & we never recieved one. We knew others around who did but it was like we were not even alive. Im worried I dont know what I'm going to do. & I dont even know what Im going to do to make sure my kids can eat & have clean clothes & at this rate im looking at losing electric & water due to our utilitys are through a small companies that do not care. Can anyone let me know if me & my kids fall into this check process or because I get VA benafits are we just expendable. & they do not care because me & my kids are a nobody.
Jayeloverreofa…
March 20, 2020
Really appreciate the empathy and effort being extended on everyones' behalf. I too am a veteran and on ssi. Extra money would be alleviate many concerns but primarily offering hope is most welcome.
Luna
March 20, 2020
I didn't file taxes since 2017. I've been staying at home with a disabled toddler. The only income is my childs ssi check. I guess I wont qualify for the check then.
darrylmalikah1…
March 20, 2020
Will everyone get the checks other then rich people
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by darrylmalikah1…

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

Don't uwse you…
March 20, 2020
Does ppl on ssi qulify for the stimalus check
Tamara
March 20, 2020
Will people on disability receive some help? I understand workers have been hit hard but people on disability often have a rough time even making ends meet, and we dont even have the savings most workers have. We are suffering. I can't afford food, meds, nothing. We are the ones who can't afford to stock up on supplies and we are at most risk. Please can someone make sure we are not forgotten again? The disabled are always forgotten.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Tamara

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

Karin
March 20, 2020
If the Disabled on SSI don't get any help because we never paid in, it will be proof positive that the government is trying to kill us off. The obsession with helping only those who have worked and paid taxes is a violation of human rights. Those on SSI already have to live on 783/month and are forbidden to save any money. Now with rising prices, and the Cost of Living Adjustment not even covering a fraction of the actual increases to the cost of living over the last dozen years, those on SSI live like we're in third world countries. I was told this is the greatest country in the world, but if you only care about people who work, then it certainly is not. Slave culture is not a good thing, and money doesn't go very far anymore. Every single American citizen should get the same amount of money from the stimulus, period. Give us equality and stop treating us like pariahs, or stop claiming this country is great at all.
ireland
December 24, 2020

In reply to by Karin

I'm on disability and was living with a boyfriend for 9 yrs. He is a narcissist and control freak. I tried to contribute to the living expenses and he would not let me because he was afraid if we broke up I could take things I purchased or we went in on. I moved out in September 2019 and now live in a RV at a camp ground. He claimed me on his taxes as a dependent so now I get nothing while he continues to work at Boeing. I can't even afford my propane each month. He hasn't struggled or lost a single thing from us parting. And that's how he wanted it. He doesn't care about what I'm going through. I have put my taxes in to this country and I am very heart broken that our Government would even consider not giving the elderly a check. I myself will get by somehow but the folks of retirement age and so forth deserves that payment. Along with all the others who are truelly struggling. Not those who have continued to work during this epidemic. Maybe they should go by unemployment records instead of taxes. Just a thought!
Pacificflowers
March 20, 2020
Are you disqualified from receiving a relief check if you have not filed your 2018 tax return yet?
Kimbo
March 20, 2020
I personally do not get ssi or ssdi ,but there money had to be spent on additional food an other items for the next 3 weeks.an slot of people watch there grandkids an that's extra food. They have been affected
BamaJr
March 20, 2020
Ssi, Soc-Sec,and all cant afford to stock up on food it's a struggle to eat fresh food often.We are poor,10k a year is poor,we need this help and long term help...
Thordog
March 28, 2020

In reply to by BamaJr

I agree with you. I always in my life been grateful had a great job had plenty of food and thank God I raised my boys while I was in great shape, then in a seconds I have back problems, 5 back and 2 neck surgeries and can't work no more. I became very depressed cause I love work and love playing with the kid anyways my disability money is nothing, I never felt this poor in my life. But I thank God I have a roof over my head. Enough to pay bills, but not enough food. The last week of every month I run out of food. Thank God also for my son to feed me. Idk I just want to work again!!! At least pay me two checks not one a month.
BamaJr
March 20, 2020
Really Folks that's a jock,stock up on what Ramen noodles,I draw 8,400 a year.Being dissabled is terrible,can u imagine living in a can...
Reberiam
March 20, 2020
Will I get money if your on SSI?
leah_LA
March 20, 2020
If you receive disability monthly will you still receive a stimulus check from the government?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by leah_LA

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

Optical1321
March 20, 2020
Can the stimulas check be mailed instead of direct deposit
RXH
March 20, 2020
I've been taking care of my dad the last few years and haven't been working to have had an income to file for taxes last year, which is what I've read is what's been referenced for this. I just started back working again since January though. Am I out of luck because I had no source of income last year?
Howard ebony
March 20, 2020
Are the checks coming in the mail
GE
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Howard ebony

Only if the government doesn’t already pay you direct deposit like disabled or retired. The first ones likely to get check are those the government can most easily issue payment to. They plan to assist elderly retired and disabled first whenever possible.
GE
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Howard ebony

Said they plan to direct deposit whenever possible. Checks in mail slow and not best option.
WanderingWoman
March 20, 2020
I am on S.S.I. I basically have a non-existent immune system and am housebound. This coronavirus terrifies me and I have been scraping up every penny to buy extra food and household goods so my carers don't have to keep shopping for me and expose themselves to possible sick people. I hear people saying people on S.S.I. shouldn't be able get a stimulus check. Will we be eligible since we didn't pay taxes? This crisis is affecting us too.
Lilbaba
March 20, 2020
If u filed married income tax and u and ur husbands name was on the check will the stimulus check come the same way with husband and wife’s name on it
Rhonda
March 20, 2020
I get $912 SSDI and $123 in food stamps, I am grateful for every penny. My food Stamps doesn’t even feed me foe 2weeks and that’s earring whatever I can. i just do not know if we will get help too . I can honestly say, my MEDICARE is a blessing when you pay $8.35 to $3.15 per prescription unfortunately a ton of them as I have 15 plus to pay for a month, I am always in danger of utility’s being shut off they do not care if you cannot pay. Can someone please say will we receive some help as well. I do not see a clear answer to this question. God bless everyone, only our Lord can get us through this. And that’s the truth.... amen
Michael cooper…
March 20, 2020
I had no earnings in 2018 but I had earnings in 2019 will I get a check I work now I can't afford to eat God bless America
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Michael cooper…

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Michael cooper…

As of today, there are no confirmed details about any stimulus money. Watch for updates from trusted news sources to find the latest.

sebi
March 20, 2020
So is only household people getting the 1k help ?
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