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.

Topics
Shopping and Donating
Health
Jobs and Making Money
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

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.

use your e-ma…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

Will people on social security foodstamps and disability get a stimulus check
Linda Davis
April 01, 2020

In reply to by use your e-ma…

Will peoples on social security and food stamps recieve the stimulate check
Jean wagner
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

Will I get any stimulus money lm on social security
Jodeg
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

Will people on social security receive government checks
Kdgomg
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

I am on ss disability and would like to know if I will be getting a check from the government? Thank you.
Lovella
April 02, 2020

In reply to by Kdgomg

I don’t draw enough to live on as it is people who has never worked sigh up and they start drawing ss fast and I’ve worked all my life I’m 67. Please help us elderly
richeee
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

Yes you will. The final bill has passed. People on social security will receive a check in the mail for $1200. But if you have filed an income tax return and got a tax refund via direct deposit, you will get the money into your bank. Money is coming in about 3 weeks.
dan
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

my wife both live on my ssi .less than 30t per year.and did not file 2019.will we still get a check ?
JOERIVERA
March 30, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

AM RECIEVING SOCIAL SECURITY NOW FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS WILL I GET FINANCIAL HELP FROM THE GOVERMENT
Nancy J Conley
March 31, 2020

In reply to by Grace to you

Will I a senior on social security originally on disability receive the stimulus check ? It is sorely needed
american
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DTG HYHAND 3

sadly no those of us on ssi will not receive stimulus money
Bigpoppa1961Do…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by american

Don’t know where you receive your information but it’s my understanding that all Americans get it.
SagiGalDon't u…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Bigpoppa1961Do…

I heard everyone gets it too but not the same amount. Some get more some get less.
Richdeni
April 06, 2020

In reply to by SagiGalDon't u…

I don't kniw how to fill out income taxes I tried on line today! I live on SSDI that's it ! Did I ruin my chances of getting a gov check??
Angie in Bama
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Bigpoppa1961Do…

You will get a check! If you have direct deposit it will be sent there, if not a paper check will be sent! Got the info from a tax prep friend from IRS!
Brandy5
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Angie in Bama

What about people on ssi that have a direct Express card?!!
Don't use your…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by american

If you make under $75,000. You will receive a stimulus check.
John
March 25, 2020

In reply to by american

I am on SSI, and I saw the stimulus package was approved, but I did not file taxes because of low income. I am curious if I will get a stimulus check? I am curious if you have any merit.
Don't use your…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

Yes u will no taxes they will use other methods in case u don't file a return and don't receive any money from a Fed agency . This has affected the world and every American in some way including retired disabled low or no income
know what you'…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

How do you know this being I can't find that info anywhere if it's true site where you got the info from?
ozzyman
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

I SEE a lot of MISINFORMATION. Bottom line "EVERY ONE" WILL receive $1200 & CHILDREN $500, UNLESS you make OVER $74.000. It is called a STIMULUS because it is DESIGNED to "stimulate OUR economy which "WOULD" go way of a THIRD WORLD country otherwise.Why do people have such as HARD TIME "getting it" I'm awake,"NOT...LOL WOKE"...
SSI...are we i…
April 02, 2020

In reply to by ozzyman

Because they say "most" to begin with. In addition nothing is cut & dry in this world & often the underdogs are forgotten.
Lundmart
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

Yes you will. They just announced it on GMA and the Today show.
Splahser
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

The bill specifically says anyone who has filed a “Form SSA-1099, Social Security Benefit Statement, or Form RRB-1099, Social Security Equivalent Benefit Statement.” qualifies. That being said, it hasn’t passed the House or been thru the compromise committee to be sent on to the White House. Things can change until that happens.
Cmonster28
April 01, 2020

In reply to by Splahser

Splasher hope your well and healthy. Do you know if these checks are coming from the federal government or state and is it based on filing federal taxes or state? Any advise would be great thanks and be well..
disabled vet96
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

Where did you get your answer from how do you know the answer is a firm no. I’d like to see that in writing
Tfilas
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

Yes if you collect s so or disability you will also be getting a check
Bobbyc.
March 26, 2020

In reply to by american

I pray to God those receiving SSI in any fashion are on the list! I am disabled with wife and 2 1/2 year old daughter. My wife is in school. If we do not receive a relief check from Government we are gonna have BAD issues ahead. Please do not put people in fear more than they already are without actually knowing for a fact first.
RichieD
March 27, 2020

In reply to by american

That’s not true. People that receive Social Security benefits are entitled, so do your research.
Robert
March 27, 2020

In reply to by american

SSI and ssdi I heard and read will recieve stimulus check as well.
Sebrena
March 27, 2020

In reply to by american

He never said that there not entitled to there citizens as well . Bet I'm one of the problems. But it did say certain income brackets. I'm hungry to aren't we ..V.eterans and dv
Mama2016
March 28, 2020

In reply to by american

I'm on SSI and I read on the 27th of March that recipients of SSI would be receiving a stimulus check why wouldn't we also receive one that's not fair can if not. We are struggling too. I spend down to the very penny on my bills aND usually have to go without the last 8 days of the month how is it fair that we don't receive olive off approximately9,700 for a full year 365 days I do love to see see one the onesvtha to are gonna a get that check try and do what I do I'm struggling every month got quarinterned outta nowhere can't go to food shop and I have no one to help me. Do tell me what I do? It's sad very sad I pray God forgive the and their ignorance too towards others.
Americangirl87
March 29, 2020

In reply to by american

Those on SSI will receive stimulus checks or all over the news
troxler 58
March 25, 2020

In reply to by DTG HYHAND 3

Will people on disability qualify for stimulus check?
Don't use your…
March 27, 2020

In reply to by troxler 58

Are people on ssdgoing to get a stimulus
Return to top