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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.

concerned indi…
March 20, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Those on disability should receive a relief check. First of all they can’t work and the monthly income is low anyway. This would be outright discrimination to leave this group of poor people out and not fair. My goodness they are some of the most vulnerable. Please be fair in going forward. Help those that need help. Some of the disabled live alone too. Unify our country to help all.
Ml
March 20, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I heard no if ur on ssd and dont file taxes, which I dont think is fair. I read different things different places i read every American was suppose to get money. Now I'm reading and hearing no we are not eligible.
I get ssi and …
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Jllpn77

I get SSI I can't work I am 67 years old well I get when I'm somebody's check user's name Alice. One of them checks is being sent out some people says I will some people says I want like to know if I will I get Direct Express the green card from Social Security office
Burnze61
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I'm on disability I just want to know I also will get a stimulus check
Mary Webb
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Burnze61

I am on SSI could you please tell me if I would get a stimulant check actually I have no other income thank you
Chinobond2062
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Mary Webb

I received ssi disability would I receive the coronavirus emergency checks when
FTC Staff
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Chinobond2062

The Social Security Administration website says people who get Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and who do not have qualifying children under age 17 do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits.

Bob
April 20, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

When is what most people on Social Security are wondering. No one can seem to give a date or even a week that they will be send automatic deposits.
kimtp66
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Burnze61

Yes! Yes, we will. $1200. The Government started sending them to the people who have direct deposit on Monday, April 13th, 2020. So check your bank daily.
keithpeay
April 16, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Do people that received social security benefits. Each month. Will they get a check. Yes or no
Don't use your…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Darla Harris

I am retired, over 65, Social Security is my only income. will I get a check?
Larry swaffordi
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

Im over 65 and get social secrurity as my only income will I get a stimulus check
Rich wDon't ur…
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Darla Harris

Do people on social security get a check
Simmy
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Rich wDon't ur…

If you are on Social Security disability will you receive one of the government stipend checks
Billie sue Barnett
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Darla Harris

Im on social security i dont make enough u Under the guide lines to file a tav return will i still be able to get a stimulas. Check?
jw3306893use y…
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I feel this is a national outbreak and that people that receive disability benefits should be like anyone else and be rewarded the stimulus check this is not about who has what or who gets what this involves every American
Don't use your…
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will people, on S.S.I., recieve a 2020 stimulus check, along with everyone else, in need?? After all, being on the lowest of the pole, income wise, aren't these people, in just as much need, if not exceedingly more, as any other low income american?? Will they be ignored and forgotton about, which would be so rotton to do to any human being?? This is a very serious question that anyone, in this situation, "deserves" to have answer to! How fair and american, would it be, if you give them NOTHING? Then, what's the message, that you're sending them, by giving them NOTHING?? I'm waiting!
Drago.2011
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

The checks are going to be nice, but the way our president talked, he said all Americans will receive a check , that means anyone, even people on SS checks. I had a feeling he did not know what he was talking about just like some of the other things he has promised. Anyway all Americans should get one.
Kelleyandbear2…
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Cando48

WHY MUST THE SOCIAL SECURITY NOT RECEVE STIMULUS ! We live in poverty now and YOU DONT THINK WE NEED IT AFTERING WORKING OUR WHOLE LIFE! THIS IS NOT RIGHT
Jaminb34
April 20, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I got kids and Bill's to pay and honestly I need the Extra help
Juanita Mahoney
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Is it true that people with ssi and ssdi get a stimulus check?
Rebel 2012
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Juanita Mahoney

Would someone in Washington please answer our question, will SSDI and SSI people get a stimulus check? I know half of my check goes to rent! I worked all my last Friday until 53.
Rick 1956
May 05, 2020

In reply to by Rebel 2012

I have SSDI and more then half of my money went to rent.Because of the Coronavirus I Spent most of my money eating at McDonalds because you could not find anything worth a dam to eat in the supermarkets.
Joywindsor59
April 11, 2020

In reply to by Juanita Mahoney

Do peaple that get SSI have to fill out any forms to reserve a check
Bgarcia31505
April 20, 2020

In reply to by Bill69

Yes, you may just receive it later depending if you receive your benefits by direct deposit or not.
gmailcom
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

People who received SSI and social security will they receive a stimul check
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