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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.

Barbara
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Faustaroo

I this is what think if they go by taxes foled and you are a dependent on another person taxes you may not get one directly but the person who has you as a dependent possibly could get it so in long way you would get it indirectly, (does that make since)
Concerned citizens
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Faustaroo

Im in the same boat. Sir my daughter claims me now if your grandson filed taxes in 2018 and claimed you dont quote me ? But i think he will get 1200$ and dependants? Get a extra 500$ for each dependant but i dont know ? If this is just for dependant children or parents? Grandparents ect... But really i paid into the system i started working at 15 yrs old and took care of my mom and brother my was in a wheelchair i worked very hard in steel toes all my working life so
c m Williams
April 17, 2020

In reply to by Faustaroo

I too was claimed by my daughter in 2018 and 2019 In Jan I moved to different state now living alone 71 years old and I don’t get stimulus check either. The most needy don’t get
Peter Corba
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Yes I live off of disability had a stroke last year practice my speech and then I had a major heart attack and I am on disability will I be getting a check if I'm getting disability I don't get enough as it is for my bills so I was just wondering if I would be getting one to help my family my wife and my grandson was with me thank you
Cinstorm
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

If you are on a medical retirement and social security will you be receive a stimulus package.
jerrytriska102
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Cinstorm

I am on Social Security, will I get a stimulus?
Retired21
March 25, 2020

In reply to by jerrytriska102

Will seniors on social security receive stimulus check?No one mentions people on social security only workers and businesses. Thank you
Johnny Hull
March 25, 2020

In reply to by jerrytriska102

I am retired, but I work almost full time as a substitute teacher, I need this because my retirement doesn't give enough to pay my wifes's cronic illness costs of living.
Tiva910
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Cinstorm

Will people on disability receive a stimant check
Lamar
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

We should but we not paying taxes the ones on SSDI
bubbak
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Lamar

ive been on ssi since 2012 also will i get a check...i get $801 a month......
Don't use your…
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

the 202o stimulas if any at vall must include service connected disabled veterans and social security seniors at the same money amount or nothing at all
Michael Don't …
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Can you tell me if you are on disability will I get any money and if so how much
Don't usepinky…
March 31, 2020

In reply to by Michael Don't …

If you are on SSI will you get a stimulus check and if yes how much
joseph
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Michael Don't …

I am on disability I do not file taxes I have direct deposit from my disability check from the government will I receive a status check
Myrna
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Will people who receive SSDI receive a stimulus check.
DoChurchn't us…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Myrna

If I’m on unemployment now am I eligible for the stimulus check?
Quaratinee
March 26, 2020

In reply to by DoChurchn't us…

Yes, you will get a check I think for $600 on top of what you receive from unemployment!
Peaches60
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Myrna

How will the people that’s on ssi get their coronaviris check Will they get it through their ssi direct deposit
Nina
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

I'm concerned about people on Social Security Disability being omitted from the stimulus benefits
R000223
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Nina

How can the Republicans forget about the senior popularity in this country..its a pitiful shame...l they have been telling the public we need too take care of our seniors...Social Security can barely pay rent buy groceries and medication and some of us pay the new amount on our medicare...premium which should be taxable... They forget about the poor and the disadvantage in this country..God is watching and as seniors he knows we are being forgetten ..what a nation
Dbigdaddyon't …
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Renee

I am on ssdiand i have in home care do i recieve any stimulos money?
D use your e-m…
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Do people on disability SSI going to get the stimulus check also
Don't DWuse yo…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by D use your e-m…

Will somebody plz answer the question of ur on disability do we get checks
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Don't DWuse yo…

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

Lusty20
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Don't DWuse yo…

They have stated many times they don't know anything yet
Kurt
March 30, 2020

In reply to by Don't DWuse yo…

Im on disability and have not payed taxes for 28 years will i get the the check due to this virus.
Robert Clark
March 24, 2020

In reply to by D use your e-m…

I only get $783 a month. I'm on SSI and barely making it from month to month. Will I get help with a stimulus check if the bill passes?
Lucia
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Robert Clark

I'm also on disability and had to use a credit card to buy supplies before everything was gone. As for the answer is obvious, there is no answer yet. After those in charge check the outcomes, we will know; who if any, where or when. Until then, pray that we do but also pray that Trump won't somehow make up pay for it, on way or another.
Loveall
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Robert Clark

I'm pretty sure people on SSI wont get anything. I believe because it's only for those losing income/work. Those on SSI are on fixed income,so you arent losing any income,so you stay the same. It's not for people on assistance to benefit if theres no loss. Vote JUST passed, so I dont know for sure
ShaneanDon't u…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Robert Clark

I also received same amount $700 for Social Security disability and retirement I'm not old enough to get my full retirement and I don't make enough to get file taxes will I get a check
Don'RICHARD ZI…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by D use your e-m…

I'm on SSI SOCIAL SECURITY, WILL I GET A STIMULUS CHECK ???
Carmen Gonzalez
March 26, 2020

In reply to by D use your e-m…

Will people on ssi get an extra check this month because of the Coronavirus?
Jamesloveless9…
April 18, 2020

In reply to by D use your e-m…

People draws SSI wound will there stainless check go out
Kcrrcm69
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

I am on ssdi. Will I get the check that the government is giving out?
Dobydodo
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Will people on disability get a stimulus check
tedloera14
April 23, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Will people on ssi or ssd receive any money on the 2020 stimulus package?
Djraiders56
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

I am on disability would I qualify for a stimulus check.