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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.

  • 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.

DFC27
March 21, 2020
Will seniors that didn’t file taxes in 2018 receive a check from the government. I only receive SS and it’s not much. Thanks
Blayzianangel
March 30, 2020

In reply to by DFC27

New update yesterday, yes you will get it. I'm disabled and I have made it a point to look up this info daily. So unless they changed their minds we all get it except those making more than $99K, between $74-$98k it decreases.
Alvas
March 21, 2020
Will people on disability get a check due to the covid 19 relief
Tan
March 21, 2020
Hi, I really appreciate this information. Thanks !
Lily1320
March 21, 2020
How do i set up direct deposit for stimulus check?
Naynay
March 21, 2020
How will I know if Iam able to Receive a check from the government Iam on ssi and so is my son
Beverly
March 21, 2020
My son is stage 4 cancer on disability and raising 4 boys! Does he get the stimulus check?
Michelle
March 21, 2020
If we did not make enough to worry about filing taxes, will we still recieve a stimulus?
Jules02127
March 21, 2020
I am scared because i have not been employed for over almost 2 years due to some tragic events that took plave in my life. I am lucky to live with family but i get food assistance and get no cash. I hope they include the people like me. I have worked my whole life until i stopped a couple years ago. I am now ready to go back but this virus is preventing me from even looking for a new position. Are they really going to ignore the real poor people and give them nothing because they disnt have a tax return in 2018?
Mr.Tucker
March 21, 2020
I just read that ppl. who don't file taxes will get at least $600. I take it all with a grain of salt until I receive a check . Good Luck everyone and God Bless.
ranosb
March 21, 2020
Will green card holders that have a SSN number and pay Federal & State taxes every year get a check?
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by ranosb

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

dave
March 21, 2020
If we want direct deposit. What do we do?
MB001a
March 21, 2020
Jennifer did a great job! It is TIC = timely, informative and clear.
Colinj96
March 21, 2020
Will people who work in refineries that are still working get these checks as well?
tolter
March 21, 2020
I'm a college student who has moved several times over the past 6 years. Where would they know to send the check?
Blayzianangel
March 30, 2020

In reply to by tolter

If you filed last year or the year before and still use that bank they will deposit it in there. If not they will find an address for you and mail one(good luck with that)which they are saying will take months to send out.
Tc
March 21, 2020
I’m wondering if I an able to get the money from the government
michaeldee48
March 21, 2020
Will convicted felons receive a stimulus check
Faith
March 31, 2020

In reply to by michaeldee48

My ex husband fled to Baja so he wouldn’t have to pay child support. Will the govt send me his stimulus check?
Cheryl
March 21, 2020
I work full time my husband doesn't work will he receive a check? He applied yrs ago for disability and got denied has bad back and knee trouble makes it hard for him to be able to work.
Lovehappy
March 21, 2020
What about people who are not working n the homeless? Will they get a check?
StarCam
March 21, 2020
If we had to file for unemployment because of loss of job directly due to COVID-19, are we still eligible for a check? Does filling/being approved for unemployment disqualify is from receiving stimulus funds?
Ginalee1963
March 21, 2020
How do we get this check should it happen if we have not done taxes in 3 years????
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Ginalee1963

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

crg
March 21, 2020
Hi My husband and I sold a rental home in 2018 so our income was above the cut off to qualify for a Stimulus check. Our situation now is much different than it was in 2018! That's 2 years ago! My husband has lost his job due to the corona virus, his side business has been shut down, my hours have been cut in half or more, and we have 2 kids in College. I do not think it is fair that they are going off 2018 taxes. We are in much need of help now and it looks like since we sold a rental home the end of 2018 that made our income look much higher than it was in 2018, that we will not be getting help. We have neighbors that make much more than us, have not lost their job, wife does not work, and are both qualified to get the $1200 each plus $500 for each of their 2 kids. Every American has been affected by this, so every American should get help if needed.
Carol Horvath
March 21, 2020
If all the income I have is widow's pension, will I be getting a check to help out from the government? I have rent to pay.
Dynasty
March 21, 2020
We are on a fixed income already. We need the extra money to get food and supplies like everyone else. Checks should be doubled. We deserve it. Thank you.
Tspires
March 21, 2020
Me and my husband does not have tax returns and over a couple years and we have two children and we cannot get a job now because of the Coronavirus would be be eligible for the stimulus check
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Tspires

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 uclifton…
March 21, 2020
Does anyone know if people on SSI Disability will be receiving the 1000.00 Stimulus Check. Per The Covid19 Virus. Even though it’s income coming in we had to prepare for this virus which means extra food Cleaners wipes and Etc. So this was money spent that we did not have. Thank you to anyone who might be able to answer this question. Or even point me in the right direction to find out answers. Thank You And God Bless. Richard P
Rich the travler
March 21, 2020
Will people on ssdi get the stimulus checks
clifford884
March 21, 2020
Hi, I sold an investment property in July of 2018 that will put me over the proposed phase out. Is there a way to appeal for an exception or use 2019 data? in 2019 I was well below the phase out and I need the money despite the nearly 2 year old gain on a house sale....... Thanks for any guidance on how to answer this..... John
Ryank
March 21, 2020
My kids moved in with me about 18months ago. If they go off of the 2018 tax returns for the stimulus checks how with they know that I have two more kids living with me now? Will there mother get that amount? I heard that they can possibly help out per child as well. This had been on my mind. Thank for your help in advance.
Sandratte
March 21, 2020
I am on disability will I receive a stimulus check for 2020
Concerned citizen
March 21, 2020
How will the government find our account numbers and or addresses for deposit or mailing our check
Hsadloe
March 21, 2020
If I filed last year but haven’t filed yet this year will my family still receive this stimulus package from the government H Sadlowski
Raymond what
March 21, 2020
What month and the date will the government start issuing the thousand dollars
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Raymond what

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

Norman
March 21, 2020
I currently meet the low income requirements to obtain my healthcare through the VA. If the stimulus check causes my income to exceed the income threshold for VA care, will I lose my VA coverage, or will their parameters change to prevent people from being disqualified by a temporary boost in their income?
Checkplease
March 21, 2020
I heard that theres a form that needs to be filled out so I can get the stimulas check but, I cannot find it anywhere. Does anyone know the website?
Mike ted
March 21, 2020
Thanks for the heads up. I feel bad cause the elderly will now be primary targets for this kind of scam. Media should make this info a top priority ASAP.
Longstrangetrip
March 21, 2020
I did read somewhere that. If you receive ssi disability may add an extra $200 on our checks till 2021
Renee77
March 21, 2020
If a person's tax refund was sent to there ex because of back child support, would the relief check also be taken and sent to the ex?
Greg84
March 21, 2020
If you owe federal government or child support are we receive a check
Kenosha use yo…
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Greg84

I heard Individuals owing child support will not get a check. It is unfair to us who pay regularly and every year my taxes are taken from me by the government. I am struggling and can not get ahead because the government wants to take every cent I have. I am a widow paying back child support and can not catch a break.
Sebastian1987
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Tricky

I'm in same boat. Still owe $2239. They will already take my tax refund, so I'm not expecting my Stimulus check either. Guess we'll know in a couple of weeks. Direct Deposit Stimulus checks begin going out on April 9th, according to Treasury Dept.
Esmoke49Don't …
March 31, 2020

In reply to by Greg84

So I owe back child support Hurt myself on my job about five years ago and now I’m on disability SSI am I eligible for a stimulus check
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