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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 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.

smithshree369
March 24, 2020
If I get disability will I get a check
cb2262
March 23, 2020
Will the custodial or non custodial parent get stimulus check for children . They live full time with custodian parent but non custodial can claim two of them on taxes
AndersonGirls5
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Linco

That is also what I was wondering. We have joint, all kids live with me, but I have to let him claim 2. The parent that has kids going to school under their roof, should be getting the Stimulus check, not the parent that sees the kids for a week in summer...Anyone know how this will all pan out?
melbell
March 30, 2020

In reply to by Linco

i'm wondering the same thing. my son lives with me. but my ex got to claim him on 2019 taxes.
Momof5
March 28, 2020

In reply to by cb2262

I am wondering the same. First time in 15 year that non custodial was allowed to claim one child for seeing her about 15 days last year and due to a judge that made a stupid ruling allowing it.
MommaJune
March 28, 2020

In reply to by cb2262

I am wondering the same thing. I signed the 8832 to allow the non custodial parent to claim our child every other year. It happened to be his year to claim on 2019 taxes. Our child lives with me full time.
DaFinest
March 23, 2020
If you owe a debt to the FEDS like restitution payments, will those people still get a check or will it be taken by the FEDS like they do whenever you file your taxes and later you get a mail saying since you owe a debt to the Feds they applied the money to your debt.
Rhi045
March 29, 2020

In reply to by DaFinest

I'm curious about the same thing!!!! I sure hope not. I'm afraid I'll never receive a check FROM the government for the rest of my life!
Sheri Brown
March 23, 2020
This is so sad for poor people they are going to give the checks to people who already have money and nothing to the people on social security this is sad and backwards I don't understand
Don't usesammy…
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Sheri Brown

Ssi people will receive something
Cashmere
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Sheri Brown

According to the updates I've read, even citizens with little to no tax liability, such as those on SSI, will be eligible for the stimulus.
VeryExcited1!
March 24, 2020
Thank you federal trade commission for keeping us updated about these checks being issued because I am so excited that it helps with my anticipation! The dissability checks are very important because that pays for my bills and rent and nescesities, to know I will have spending money is very comforting!
PCN
March 24, 2020
If you have 50/50 custody of a child, who gets the stimulus check?
SINGLE MOM
March 25, 2020

In reply to by PCN

that was my question too. they would look at your tax returns...so I think both 2018 and 2019's tax returns assuming now you both have to alternate filing for your child each year
Wade Wilson
March 30, 2020

In reply to by PCN

I was wondering the same thing. I support my daughter 50% of the year but her mom claims her because she works and I receive SSI. I am always more strapped than them and covid-19 only made it worse? Can I claim $500 to help with support for my daughter?
Wickedblue
March 24, 2020
love to kno why I’m ALL the reports of this so-called stimulus, NOT A SINGLE LEGISLATIVE INDIVIDUAL HAS MENTIONED, seniors, disabled and vets or people who’s income IS FAR BELOW Government Standards of filing for taxes! We ARE ALSO US CITIZENS..... PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE US!
Sonja Sanders
March 24, 2020
I found out I had small cell lung cancer in 2018 I had a great job I went through so much I love my job well I was just n my two years of being clean now it's back yes I get disability but it doesn't pay my bills I take treatments that makes me so sick I have no help my son is in prison for hardly nothing that happen in 2014+2015 gets out 2021 I need help he is a good Young man and also I need help with my bills thank you very much for your time to read this always,Sonja Sanders
NM_fan
March 24, 2020
Will I get a check if I’m receiving ssi?
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by NM_fan

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

Nobsneeded
March 24, 2020
I am on disability and I have to young children one with autism and the other with eating problems and speech issues I have a number of conditions that means I can’t hardly leave the house I can’t barely stay awake during the day anyway I need to know will people like me get left out of the stimulus package I only revive 780 a month and that was hard to get by with but now trying to stay inside means spending more and more money that I just don’t get before I could do some side work to make ends meet but now nothing if people like me get left out I barely get enough for rent my lights and diapers and all other day to day expenses come from cleaning houses and doing small chores and things so now that’s gone I need to know will we all be cut out because we are disabled and can’t work
vbrown111
March 31, 2020
I'm a 45 ear disabled woman who suffers unfortunately with more health problems than many, this epidemic has really stressed me out somewhat, im @ truly believer in our Heavenly Father, and I have much faith,but I'm on @ fixed income,and it's been really challenging to purchase, water, groceries, tissue, etc! wenever I don't have @ vechile @ wen I do get @ ride to the store there's absolutely nothing in stock for me to purchase,my son had to send me some supplies,from Houston because I was out completely,I truly feel like all disabled Americans and veterans should be approved for the stimulas payments also,my bills takes up all of my income,some of us lives from paycheck to paycheck!I can't out,as much because I suffer from COPD unfortunately! @ no I don't pay taxes but I feel like all disabled Americans should be taking inconsideration also,I'm almost out of supplies now! @ its so hard to get any here in my town, especially wen I don't get paid until the 3rd of the month! let's help all of the Americans dats in Dyer need, Amen thank u for listening
JG
March 24, 2020
So the last 2 years I have been a stay at home single mother. I just got back to work in January a part time job that barely made ends meet my job stopped giving schedules out at the beginning of March. I'm confused on will people who filed taxes in the previous years only get Help?
NOT GREEDY RES…
March 24, 2020
There are alot of greedy people in this world I haven't been able to work for several years now I get SIS not much money each month people need not to be that way if the government works it out then all people they find that really needs it I'm sure you will be contacted so people please be patience
Very sad
March 24, 2020
I have a job . A pretty good job at that . Because of that I help alot of family members out. I work a lot of overtime to do that. All over time has been cut . The strain on me to still help my family and pay my own Bill's is too real . I falling fast. Paying my Bill's late. This is affecting everyone and pretty soon I will have to tell my family I cant help them anymore. No one , no matter how much you make should be excluded. We all have Bill's to pay and American are always about helping family. Yes I make alot but I give alot away also.
Mimi81
March 24, 2020
We're 81 & 86 on low income & not getting large Social Security checks because we farmed. Will we get desperately needed Stimulus money? Behind on filing taxes due to health conditions!!
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Mimi81

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 use your…
March 24, 2020
I'm a disabled American veteran receiving service connected disability. Served my country well. And thats my only income. And I'm not eligible for stimulus relief check?? How low can "trump" go?? Low income ppl are xxv hurting bad right now. But we forgotten.. sad
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

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 use yous…
March 24, 2020
I been having trouble with PayPal taking money from my bank account and I’m on disability they put me in over draft twice I hope someone can look into Paypal
Audie Greer 13…
March 24, 2020
Will a unemployed person or the disabled person the eligible for the money that’s giving out for the coronavirus somebody who’s not and don’t pay taxes for disability
Don'markt use …
March 24, 2020
People waiting for s.s. because they got hurt will they get a stimulus check to people like us really need it right now I have 10 cents to my name don't know what I am going to do
Mike
March 24, 2020
I am a 100 %service connected disabled veteran. I do not file taxes but still struggle to make ends meet every month. I just want to know if myself and the thousands like me, as well as those on Social security are going to be left out when and if this stimulus package is passed?
usmcbex
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Mike

I’m in the same Exact boat , 100% service connected and only get va pay, don’t file taxes and support my 2 children .
Sid
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Mike

They need to tell ppl what's going on. Ppl living off Social Security or service connected veteran do not get much $$ and most don't file taxes but having to buy what's there and not being able to value shop etc hurts when you can't buy food, prescription meds etc and struggle to make it till the end of the month
Unsure
March 24, 2020
I have been out of work for six years I have mental health issues still seeking treatments that work am I eligible for the stimulate package
al brown
March 24, 2020
thank for the information.but what about the men an women that get ssi an are on retiedment.that do not work no more an there only income is a check each month ok.
jwright69
March 24, 2020
It seems like middle class has it the hardest. There are always tax breaks and other breaks for the poor and the super rich. I am a single parent getting no help whatsoever from my ex-husband and I make over around $76000 annually and still live from paycheck to paycheck. With all my daughter's school costs, rent, insurance, car payments, household costs, and plus taxes taken from my paycheck, I am barely making it. During this coronavirus there are middle class families that are force to take off using their own time and if you don't have time on the books then you don't get paid. Why are there restrictions on how much one (middle class quote on quote) gets with the stimulus check. This is totally unfair. Just during regular tax season, what's considered poor class has tax breaks with earned income and child tax credit. Middle class has no tax breaks. It's hard for most of us. This should not be justified/approved.
SusanB
March 24, 2020
I receive SSI and dont file taxes, will my family and I receive a stimulus check?
Mimime
March 24, 2020
I had cancer so I'm on Medicare disability BC I worked my entire life will I get a stimulus check?
tobor2001
March 24, 2020
I'm on SSDI due to 2 bad knees and can not work.......my family keeps telling me I'm NOT going to get a stimulus check. I heard all adults will. Who's right? (Hoping & Praying in WA)
Lucylou
March 24, 2020
I’m on Social Security disability who works a part-time job and files tax returns. How will the stimulus package affect me?
Leonard
March 24, 2020
Will people on SSI received a check
Karoline
March 24, 2020
Will green card holders -US residents get this help as well?
grosio23
April 23, 2020

In reply to by Karoline

thats what i want to know too because my husband claims our kids and hes a resident
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