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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.

Mfanch
March 25, 2020
If stimulus checks are granted it says they will go off 2019 taxes if already filed. My AGI is extremely high for my 2019 taxes because I cashed out my 401k so it's not a true reflection of my income. Is this taken into consideration at all?
unfair
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Mfanch

I'm in same boat, cashed out some of my retirement to use to upgrade my house and pay off my sons student loan last year so this made my AGI extremely high although my wages were way less than the $75K for single person. Money I took out has been long gone and now my employer has reduced my hours by 1/2. I could really use the $1200 but will not be getting it. SO UNFAIR!! They are allowing people to withdraw from retirement right now with no penalty due to Covid19 but yet they will still receive stimulus check. This is so wrong
ThisAintFunny
March 25, 2020
Will those who owe back taxes, but are making payments still get a stimulus check?
jet1957
March 25, 2020
will i get the package with disability
ted
March 26, 2020

In reply to by jet1957

If you did not file federal taxes it is doubtful as when Obama did it i never got that one as i was on SSD and never made enough to file.
Heschel
March 25, 2020
I filed 2018 taxes, but, 2019 my only income was my social security retirement check. Which year will the gov't use? Also, if they do consider 2018, I had social security as my income, but, had "other" income for that year only. Will they combine that both social security income and other income for their calculations.
amanda87
March 25, 2020
Will single stay at home moms that haven’t filed taxes get the stimulus package. I have been home with my kids for 3 years now and haven’t filed taxes. Will I get a check as well?
Poppy33
March 26, 2020

In reply to by amanda87

I have wondered this too. My partner has claimed me and our children as depends on his taxes the last 3 yrs. Stay at home moms shouldn't be left out.
abeesley
March 27, 2020

In reply to by amanda87

I’m wondering the same thing. Have been a stay at home mom for a little over 3 years myself and would hate to be overlooked because I don’t earn a paycheck week to week.
Nicolejg
April 07, 2020

In reply to by abeesley

Unfortunately we are. My dad claimed me in 2019 taxes and I don't qualify even though I have bills and a son
HazelNuts
April 08, 2020

In reply to by abeesley

Has anyone gotten an answer about this? Unmarried stay at home parents are a large group.
Mom4
March 27, 2020

In reply to by amanda87

I'm in the same boat as you. Wondering if stay at home parents count?
Allenm
March 28, 2020

In reply to by amanda87

I was wandering the same my girlfriend is a stay at home mom. I claim the both of them on my taxes hopefully they will include the moms in with the head of households check. It wouldnt be right to allow married couples 120k income and only give out half to familys with 50k income.
Nicolejg
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Allenm

head of households get 1 check. You will get 1200 for you since your not married.
Marlie 43
March 25, 2020
Will a child born in January 2020 be eligible for the federal stimulus
silkydreamgirl
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Marlie 43

That’s the question I asked as well would like to know
Tina
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Marlie 43

They put out a list of eligibility. Any children born in 2020 will not be considered for the $500 stimulus. It’s based off of 2019 tax returns.
nne1txb@icloud.com
March 25, 2020
If 18 yrs old living at home will I get a stimulus check? I did work in 2019 and filed individual taxes.
simonealkofer
March 25, 2020
How can I set up direct deposit for the stimulus?
Cher9029
March 26, 2020

In reply to by simonealkofer

How can I set up direct deposit for my stimulus check
Dotson55
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Cher9029

How do I set up direct deposit for the stimulant check
dotsondebra5
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Cher9029

How do I set up direct deposit for the stimulant check
BWalker
March 27, 2020

In reply to by simonealkofer

The government is using the direct deposit information individuals used when filing their 2019 tax returns. If no direct deposit info is on file with the IRS they will send your check via mail.
darkandlovely4…
March 28, 2020

In reply to by simonealkofer

Can someone email me about direct deposit thank you.
BellaWV
March 25, 2020
Agree also. Very well explained. Thanks.
Abilene
March 25, 2020
I lost my job in 2019 but made more than the amount to receive a check on my taxes. I have not worked since and have made no money, how can my family get a stimulus check?
Jimmy
March 25, 2020
I am reading that they are using the 2018 tax information for getting checks out to everybody. I was not working in 2018 because I suffered a stroke in 2016, the stroke left me unable to work in my chosen field of work. Now I am on disability which took me 3 years to get. During the three years, I had to rely on the local homeless shelter for help. My current income has me living below the property level. It is unfair that those who could really use the extra money are not getting, it so much for everybody getting through this time of trouble together there are people who have been forgotten about. How about helping us instead of forgetting about us. Just because some of us get SSI or SSDI.
Abby123
March 25, 2020
I am a citizen with a social security number. I filed a joint return with my husband that's an resident alien why are they denying me the stimulus check. I am an American that lost my job
ted
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Abby123

how can they deny you the house dont vote on it to finalize the stimulus till this coming Friday.
Huntermoon
March 25, 2020
I'm on SSI do I get a check
Ducky98
March 25, 2020
Will my 18 year old daughter, still in high school, be eligible for a stimulus check" All our other children are under the age of 18.
dlsab
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Ducky98

I have this same question, was hoping to find the answer here! I am guessing they will considered “under 17”, at least that’s what I’m thinking & if by chance they consider them an adult & they get the adult amount then it’ll be a nice little surprise haha!
parachronistic
March 25, 2020
A collector called today seeking their fair share of this stimulus check that isn’t even debated yet. We need additional protection from collectors so consumers don’t surrender and feed the rich.
Xavy
March 25, 2020
what happens if you're still married and you no longer together will they each received the money Trump is talking about
dlsab
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Xavy

It’s going to go the bank account you last had on file with the IRS for your last taxes filed. So if you filed alone already this year alone then you’ll get your own check, but if your last tax return was married filing jointly then it’s going to go to the bank acct that was on file. Whichever one of you, if either of you, has that acct will then have access to that money, hopefully honesty prevails, but I know how divorces can be. Good luck!
smithjerrybeth
March 25, 2020
I am a 24-hour caregiver for my mother I do not pay federal or state taxes but I do pay SS and FICA am I qualified for the stimulant check
important question
March 25, 2020
I’m on SSD will I receive the stimulus that the government is talking about?? I have underlying condition where I need to stay home, but I can’t afford for delivery of groceries etc.. Help with extra money would be great.. Thank you
Niceguy81781
March 25, 2020
I was on ssi and they stopped my benefits now i dont have a income would i get a check or no
Cking123
March 25, 2020
If I was given a debit card for my taxes and don't have a mailbox how will I receive stimulus pay?
Cking123
March 25, 2020
If I owe child support and filled my taxes will I receive stimulus money?
TinkTink
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Cking123

If my ex did file taxes but is 15,000 behind do my kids get that stimulus check ?
HV23
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Cking123

NBC says anyone who owes child support is not receiving a stimulus check or if they do it’ll be a reduced amount.
Jay
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Cking123

If you owe child support the stimulus check will go towards back child support first
Beverly 3022
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Cking123

I am married but have been separated for several years. I do not work, therefore I do not pay taxes. I have 2 children with disabilities and both receive SSI, do I qualify for the stimulus money?
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