Skip to main content
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.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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.

Bigshow 12 …
March 20, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Are people on disability getting a stimulus check and how much
Noodles
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

They aren't saying yet. We have to wait and see what the House decides. Was told it should be voted on before Monday.
DebbieLynn13
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Noodles

I receive disability payments which is not very much. This is all I have to survive on! I do not feel that it would be fair to exclude "us", as we are people that are struggling to get by as it is. We are the "needy", we are the "poor"! Every american that falls under this status should rightfully get the help as well. It would be inhumane and unjust to exclude us. Quit squabbling over who gets what and just HELP US NOW!!! WE NEED MONEY NOW!!!!
BECKYBABYS
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I totally agree, I make less then 800 a month, we should NOT BE LEFT OUT....
Boston girl
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I agree but can't get a stinker answer. You pay taxes all your life to get you disability from Social Security. Wouldn't that be discrimination we are the poorest
Dodgerssuck1n'…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

Hopefully they will include us on SSI were strugiling to get my to
robnettat
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Dodgerssuck1n'…

I keep being denied for ssi and ssd go to 3 and 4 doctors ..worked all my life ..had no choice had to get on welfare but C ant get stimulus check..what are they saying for people like me..you forced me to d ss help
Stacy
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I totally agree with you!!! I know this sounds stupid but I sent an email to the White House if they even read it. I am on disability as well and I explained we need money too. Just cuz we have less money we shouldn't be excluded. I spent the last little money on extra cleaning supplies, food etc.. It is NOT fair for us to be be excluded. We need it more then some people. Weather anyone agrees or not. We need to survive too. This is not our fault the viruses came. We are trying to get past us too.. So the government needs to please step up and recognize us that are on benefits and have health problems and are disabled. Just because we dont make enough to file taxes doesnt mean we have to suffer. We always suffer do to us being on benefits. It is so unfair. WR DESERVE THIS MONEY TOO!! WE DESERVE IT BECAUSE WE DONT GET MUCH AND HAD TO SPEND WHAT WE HAD CUZ OF THIS VIRUS WHICH IS NOT OUR FAULT...WE NEED MONEY TOO!!! DO NOT FORGET US BECAUSE WE DONT MAKE MUCH. RECOGNIZE US.. WE NEED IT MORE IN SOME CASES...
Malimoon
March 26, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I’m just as anxious to get this answer too. I put n over 30 years working about 70 hours per week on salary. ( if only it had been hourly) The amount I receive in SSDI, after paying my rent , (I live alone)the medicare mandatory 144.60 and my medicare supplement policy 157.00 I’m left with $79 dollars for food and utilities. I’m always in the red raking up credit cards. Just to survive I don’t eat more than once very other day. We are the needy and also affected by this. I’ve had to Uber several times to get medications where my elderly father has always done. I lied and say they are delivering during this crisis just to keep him home safe. I’m with you! I need to know now!
Don't use your…
August 06, 2020

In reply to by Malimoon

I’m 71 years old and I live with my daughter and son n law but I help them with bills and I help buy grocery’s etc I didn’t get a check the first time I hope i get a check this time I sure could use the money
Brendaustin39
March 26, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I agree 100% on what your saying. We on SSI & SSDI matter also. If they forget about us in our time of need we may forget about them when the voting comes around too. We are the poorest ones out there . Month to month on the lowest income possible & should NEVER BE OVERLOOKED.
Beverlin61
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Brendaustin39

I'm with yal I'm 72 and I need it just like everyone else. It would not be fair to us. It has made me feel really bad that I dont count
Laura72
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Brendaustin39

Yes we do matter and I hope. We get that money.. it’s not fair if we don’t.. I paid taxes my whole life. And I can’t work anymore. I hope the government does the right thing
Treehugger
March 26, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I completely agree, I can barely pay my bills. I have worked since I was 15 and had a cancerous brain tumor. I think we need it to.
Lori
March 26, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I totally agree with you, I got sick, which happens, and had to stop working. I use to own a house and made more money than my husband, now my husband is my EX, and I am on SSI Disability, and it is hard to make ends meet. I am lucky if I have $1 left at the end of the month. If we SSI recipients don't get a check, I will feel that this country abandoned us at this terrible time when we needed help the most, and it is not right!!, especially if immigrants get a check, and us SSI people don't!!. I have to say, if I don't l get a check from this stimulus bill, I will end up hating this country!!. I have to get enough stuff to eat and use so that I won't have to go out and possibly get that virus, how am I going to do that without any help!!?.
Debbie1956
March 27, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

yes they always forget about us who receive gov. checks . but hell I worked my whole life at minimum wage and my checks aren't that big .
The Poor R Forgotten
March 27, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

Totally agree. SSI recipients should have been included. They are the hardest hit and the most vulnerable amongst us.
river_dance_500
March 31, 2020

In reply to by DebbieLynn13

I agree. I am on ssdi. I hope I get one. I'm homeless. I stay in hotels when I can. I stay in my car also. I need help.
Pooronss
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

The poor of the poorest don't file taxes, I believe if you make under 25 000.00 your not required, the people who need it the most sound like they will not receive checks All senior need to band together if Congress pass this we will vote for the other party they will not win the election if they forget about us please pass on
American101
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Pooronss

I certainly hope they Old Boys of Washington DC, are not forgetting about the old boys and girls that paid their dues. I hope seniors will be getting a check. We vote you know. This would be quite a mistake if you discriminate against your own Americans.
geno73cash
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Pooronss

Will I get a stimulous check from the government because I am waiting for a decision from SSI. I have not been awarded permanent disability yet and therefore can not work either. I need help. This money from the government would really help me at this time. I hope they make the right decision and give people like me a check too. We need help as bad as the next person
flabob
March 26, 2020

In reply to by geno73cash

Amazing. I worked for 47 years. Then Bam. Got a stroke. Now that our goverment looks like we {ssdi} dont get stimulus check. If our pres does not give stimulus check ,i will make sure i do not vote this time for him. Simple
Waverun48
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Pooronss

I heard on MSNBC yesterday , if you did NOT file taxes in 2018 or 2019 you won't be issued a check unless u file a tax return even if you didn't make enough money to have to file. They will issue checks only to those who have a tax return on file . I haven't been able to verify this yet. Can anyone confirm it?
Kimothy
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Do wet all get checks who are on ssi disability.
Kh
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Kimothy

Those most affected are most likely to receive the check. Job losses businesses shut down ect. Those on disability it has not effected as much as those working. I know from experience i was on disability at one point you disability check deposit is not effected by this pandemic. People like me that have lost their job are the ones that suffer most when your income is brought to 0 overnight it hurts your ability to provide for your family and loved ones. Im not saying you won't get it but its not likely you will see 1200 I've read some of the bills trying to be passed 75000 and under down to 2500 earned income get the 1200 stimulus checks. You may get 600 but don't get your hopes up because your income is already federal based and not interrupted by covid19.
Gigi
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Bonnie Goodell

Yes I believe everyone is getting the check. But why people who didn't work to begin with aren't out of work so why should they get it.
Richard Westfield
May 07, 2020

In reply to by Bonnie Goodell

How long we got to wait on our Sims check if I was on SSI
jodypatterson5…
May 08, 2020

In reply to by Richard Westfield

I am on SSI for 6 year when do I get my money
Don't use your…
May 14, 2020

In reply to by Richard Westfield

I am still waiting for my similous money i am retired and draw acheck from social security no ne wants to talk retired social security when can we expect our money
Anthony Iglesias
June 09, 2020

In reply to by Richard Westfield

How long did it take for you to get your check you should get it in the mail direct deposit
Jamersan
June 04, 2020

In reply to by Bonnie Goodell

I got a letter from government about taking my money for back child support but child support did not get money so when will I get my money
ja was derson4…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Kimothy

What about the baby boomers on ss checks do we get a checks?
123.bankDon't …
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

will i get stimulus check
fsawyer45
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Are people on Disability getting stimulus checks and how much
Do inn't use y…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by fsawyer45

Are SSDI getting help with a check.
Hotcoochie20
May 17, 2020

In reply to by Do inn't use y…

My sister carried me as a dependent but I also receive Ssdi will I get a check
Scott
March 25, 2020

In reply to by fsawyer45

Will people on disability get a stimulus check?
B.Carvlho
April 22, 2020

In reply to by fsawyer45

Can the people get the C19 relif If the aren’t working And no make taxes, because are getting social security benefits?
jcastle10
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Are people on social security getting checks
Salty
March 23, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

I don't file taxes anymore. Social Security checks . But I have 2 grandkids living with ud. Would we get a check?
bjojo
March 24, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

My husband and I are living on social security. Will we get a stimulus check?
Brownt123
March 24, 2020

In reply to by bjojo

pay my rent with my social security check and I would use a stimulus check.