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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.

Big D
April 29, 2020

In reply to by fawn smith

You know where it goes your husband's depth becomes yours and yours to become his when married
USA
March 25, 2020
would DACA Recipients be able to get a stimulus check too??
Poor disabled …
March 25, 2020
This isn't a very fair deal if it doesn't include money for vets, those of us on ssi or who've never made $75,000 a year and still do not. If it doesn't help these people it needs to go back to the floor!
Elphie
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Poor disabled …

I think you misunderstood. Everyone who makes less than $75,000 a year will get the full $1200. Anyone who makes more than $75,000 will get less. Anyone who makes over $99,000 will get nothing.
Bandit
March 25, 2020
I would like to know if people on SSDI will get a check because we all sure can use that to even if we have to pay the taxes on it at the end of the year we have to buy extra of everything we do not get pay raises all the time we don’t make that much when there’s extra that’s available at the store we have to grab it before the hoarders got it so sometimes it takes us multiple trips I believe we do deserve it we pay it pay our property tax we pay school taxes and half of us don’t even have kids in school
emtcen
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Bandit

Yes. My husband is on SSDI according to all news outlets they will get the stimulus. So will SSI, Veterans, and people with no income like myself.
elvis9presly
April 09, 2020
I'm a woman that's home from my job because of the virus, thru no fault of my own. Will I be eligible for the Gov. Stimulus Check.
Workharddontfuss
March 25, 2020
The checks should be for people who have jobs and and are laid off because of the virus if you draw a check and that has not changed then you have not been affected you still get the same money you always have this should be for people who are not getting the money they usually get because of the virus.
K.L.
March 25, 2020
My daughter is eighteen. She lives at home whilst going to Community College. She works, as so to pay for her books. Because her father and I are above the income requirements, will she herself receive a check?
Jay
March 28, 2020

In reply to by K.L.

No. She would be considered dependent. If you are considered dependent for tax purposes you do not get a check.
Susanmungo
April 09, 2020

In reply to by K.L.

If my daughter goes to college and works and pays fir her college , but we both claimed her , does she get a stimulus check
Forced out of …
March 25, 2020
I have worked for 45 years and never applied for any assistance until hair salons were closed by the state on March 15 The only people who should receive stimulus checks are the ones who are no longer getting paid because their place of employment has complied with government mandates. Welfare disability and social security recipients have not had their income reduced by this crisis They will STILL receive the same check every payday. We working taxpayers will have to pay for this stimulus money in some way when this crisis is over and I believe it is horrendous that citizens who don’t work and who’s income is not affected Believe they should get this “bonus money”
Momma
May 01, 2020

In reply to by Forced out of …

The stimulus checks are considered tax rebates so they ARE NOT taxable. Also, even tho people who receive SSI or SSDI may not have lost their monthly benefits, they are STILL entitled to a stimulus check. People on SSI or SSDI Paid their taxes while they were able to work, so basically what they receive is money THEY paid. Ask someone on disability how much they get each month. Usually, it is barely enough to pay rent/utilities but yet in many cases, they usually make too much to get food stamps. I am on Disability. Before I get my disability each month, they TAKE $144 for Medicare Part B which is for your medical /prescriptions. Even tho that reduces the amount I get every month, it is still considered to be income, so when applying for food stamps that $144 is considered income. Because of that, I was told I made too much. My disability check BARELY covers my rent/utilities. After that is paid, I'm lucky if I have any money to buy food or prescruptions. So tell me again, why I shouldn't get a stimulus check.
Sparky213
March 25, 2020
I've been reading all the comments made about those of us who receive disability, ssi etc YES it would be so very disappointing to think the government would leave us out of it. We worked and pays taxes at one why should we be discriminated against cause that's the way I feel. I would work if I was able but I'm not. We hello the economy we but products we pay taxes on those things. I'm so mad right now. They passed this on the Senate today. And we're no one huh?
Don't ujamese …
March 25, 2020
Have not filed taxes since I have moved how do I tell the government where to send my stimulus check
Jimbo1958
March 25, 2020
The ones On social security deserve a check too! With the inflation coming on, our social security is not worth near as much.This. Health nightmare has hurt the seniors.
Grandparent ra…
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Jimbo1958

What about single Grandparent raising Grandchildren that doesn't file taxes, will they receive a check?
Bryan and Jackie
March 25, 2020
I lost my job and can't afford rent the covid 19 is really putting a strain on me and my pregnant girl friend we will be forced to sleep in r car this week with all of our belongings . we live in Ohio and r on lock down if we get kicked out what do we dooo?
Roman Logan
March 25, 2020
Will the elderly and disabled be seen anything from the stimulus package that that was just passed? Can somebody answer this for me. Thank you.
Jackmo
March 25, 2020
Will the homeless get any help with the stimulus money. They are on foods stamps and did not file 2018 taxes as they made no money. They have been trying to get disability for over 2 years now score for the homeless. Good friends of mine it's your children I really need to find out whether they will get any help with the stimulus thank you so much
bamagirl
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Jackmo

I get food stamps and live off my son's check of 780. Will I get a check
Becky
April 29, 2020

In reply to by Jackmo

Yes, people who are homeless do get a stimulus check it is on the irs.gov website you can check it out there. Once they have a social security number. Hope this helps
Dave1234
March 25, 2020
If I currently owe the IRS and I'm on a payment plan, will I still receive a stimulus payment or will it get applied to my balance?
Ada59
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Dave1234

If I haven't filed tax in last 3 year will I received a check
Longstrangetrip
March 25, 2020
As of right now nobody on SSI or Disability is included in the stimuls check...And that's America and your goverment for you!!!!...and they call this the greatest country...what a joke!
Josiekay44
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Longstrangetrip

Look into that, I believe ssi/ssd recipients will receive a stimulus check.
Rymira2121
March 25, 2020
Will people on ssi receive assistance?
MARIA
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Rymira2121

Will retired people and people on ssi disability get the check? I have these questions
cevebex
March 25, 2020
Hello Im wondering if people who are on SSDI and SSI will receive the stimulus as well? We are in hard times right now and this will help. Thank you
Don't use your…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by cevebex

I am on SSDI and I am wondering the same thing.And don't know who to ask.
COLUMBUS Ohio
March 25, 2020
I'm very disappointed in the, Government. Ppl. Who are on SSI or SSDI have paid into this, fund. And isnt eligible? Unfair and Unamerican. We share the same, hardships. There need to be a better solution for the, poor. Daily struggles exists. And much more since this, pandemic.
seeman.carl7
April 10, 2020
Im on ssdi will I get a check
Dmill
March 25, 2020
Do you get some of the stimulus check if you don’t have a job and revive Foodstamps
Veronica141
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Dmill

I have not field for taxes . I have nothing to claim. For 3 yrs. But I am in a hard bind well I receive a stimulus check
Jess09
March 25, 2020
I file my Taxes using a Tax ID number not a social will I still Qualify for this Check ?
David
March 25, 2020
Ok,the bill has passed,is there any new info on SSI and ssd recipients,as to receiving a check. Answers now please. Ty
Jess09
March 25, 2020
I file my Taxes using a Tax ID number not a social will I still Qualify for this Check ?
jsparshal
March 25, 2020
I am a new college graduate as of May 2019. 2020 is my first time filing taxes independently. My mom has always claimed me in the past. Will I receive this check? As COVID-19 has resulted in loss of employment for myself.
Alynrg
March 25, 2020
Will children born in 2020 be counted as qualifying for the $500 per child.
lalaish70
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Alynrg

No. The stimulus payments are based on your 2019 returns (filing extended to July 15 2020) if you haven't filed then its based on your 2018 return. You can't include a child born in 2020 because you aren't claiming that child until 2021.
Ea
March 26, 2020

In reply to by JDavis89

No, but you might be able to get the credit when you file taxes next year.
User398
March 28, 2020

In reply to by JDavis89

I also have had a child in January of 2020 will I be eligible for that even though she wasn’t on my tax returns?
joetaf
March 29, 2020

In reply to by JDavis89

I hope soo too . But they are going based on 2019 taxes therefore most likely no.
Tracy
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Alynrg

If a child was born in 2020, will there be a way to appeal for the child payment?
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