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Do you think your economic impact payment has landed in the hands of an identity thief? You can report it to the FTC and the IRS at the same time. Here’s what to do.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the government’s one-stop resource for people to report identity theft and get a personal recovery plan. Click “Get started.” The next page asks, “Which statement best describes our situation?” Click the line that says, “Someone filed a Federal tax return – or claimed an economic stimulus payment – using my information.” You’re on your way.

Logo: Coronavirus Scams: Tips from the FTCIdentityTheft.gov will ask you some questions so that it can complete an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) for you, and submit it electronically to the IRS. You can include a personal statement too, to tell the IRS details about how your identity was misused to claim your economic impact payment. You also can download a copy of your completed Affidavit for your files. And, IdentityTheft.gov also will give you a recovery plan with steps you can take to help protect yourself from further identity theft.

Use IdentityTheft.gov to report suspected identity theft only. If you have other concerns about your economic impact payment, visit the IRS’s Economic Impact Payment Information Center and Get My Payment Frequently Asked Questions pages for detailed, and frequently-updated, answers to questions. You also can find information here about payments that the IRS may have deposited to an account you don’t recognize.

Whether you’re waiting for your payment, or even if it’s already arrived, keep alert for scammers trying to steal your personal information, your money, or both. Remember, the IRS will not call, text you, email you, or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information – even related to the stimulus payments. Also, watch out for emails and texts with attachments or links claiming to have special information about the payments. They’re fake, and they may be phishing for your personal information or might download malware to your computer, tablet, or phone.

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Scarlet
May 21, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Same with mine, wrong account. The link to the IRS website does not help. This is not an account from someone who prepared my tax return. How can it be tracked down?
Ronnie Brown-B…
June 21, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

My ex took the stimulus check eventho i had updated my direct deposit info & receive my Ss check by direct deposit. Pls help.
Cappy
May 04, 2020
How would one know if one's stimulus check was stolen if they haven't all been sent out yet, and not everyone is receiving one?
FTC Staff
May 06, 2020

In reply to by Cappy

The IRS will mail a letter about the economic impact payment to each person's last known address within 15 days after the payment is paid. The letter will tell you how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment.If you get a letter and you aren't sure it's legitimate, go to www.irs.gov/coronavirus.

MadysMa
May 13, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Met stimulus payment was mailed out to me on 4/24. It has not arrived yet. Any advice?
Latoya Williams
May 13, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

Did not receive my stimulus mailed out on the 24th of April
Connieknight65…
May 17, 2020

In reply to by Latoya Williams

The irs said my check will be mailed April 24th. I have not recieved it and I haven't got a letter saying it's been sent. My friends said they got there's that was mailes out april 24th i have informed delivery. I just got it no images . as it says it will be mailed April 24th .have not recieved my check.
Sissie
June 09, 2020

In reply to by Connieknight65…

Same for us. Said it was sent April 24 but we have not received it
Rose71
June 11, 2020

In reply to by Connieknight65…

same here i have not recived my stimulus check i have received the letter . I've also checked the get my payment tool were they said it was mailed out April 24th and i got nothing still .
Connieknight650
May 29, 2020

In reply to by Jsmooth

I still have not got my stimlus check the irs live agent said it was sent to my address april 24th its been over a month havent recieved my check or my letter in the mail
Lele
June 06, 2020

In reply to by Connieknight650

Same problem. Mail out date of April 24th and no check or letter. Have you received a check or letter yet?
SandiDon't use…
May 29, 2020

In reply to by Jsmooth

My check was mailed on May 4th it's now the 29th still haven't received it. I did receive the letter saying i did. What's up. The IRS is saying i have to wait 30 days. It doesn't take 30 days for anything to be mailed. I use to work at USPS.
Greenvalley
May 29, 2020

In reply to by SandiDon't use…

How did you get in contact with the irs? Do you have a number you can give?
Julvettte62
June 28, 2020

In reply to by Greenvalley

I had s friend set up my nonfillers request for my stimulus and she sent it to her bank account.and spent it please help
FTC Staff
June 30, 2020

In reply to by Julvettte62

If someone used your personal information to get your benefits, you can report identity theft.  

Report the stolen check and create an IRS affidavit at www.IdentityTheft.gov. Click "Get Started" on the first page. On the next page, click on the green bar that says "Someone filed a Federal tax return - or claimed an economic stimulus payment - using my information."

Fill in what you know to create an identity theft report and IRS Identity Theft Affidavit. The system will create a list of steps for what you can do next.

Frank Johnson 58.
May 29, 2020

In reply to by Jsmooth

Frank Johnson My check was mail out on may 1st but have not gotten it or the letter .
NannyPDon't us…
June 03, 2020

In reply to by Frank Johnson 58.

Same here . Now it is 6/3!! -checked site, was supposed to be mailed May 01. Went to P.O on 05/18 to place hold on mail -didn't know if it had or would get stolen. Signed up for informed delivery at PO, they send an email with a photo of any letter mail or package that is on its way to me. Picked up held mail today-no check, no follow-up letter. Will keep checking informed delivery notifications coming in daily to my email.
Rwells
July 06, 2020

In reply to by NannyPDon't us…

Same as me, I did what you did and waited. Finally when I got the letter you’re supposed to receive from irs. Called them and made a claim. Today makes 5 weeks and come to find out today someone has cashed my check. So I have to wait on a packet to fill out
Monique.daniels44
June 05, 2020

In reply to by Jsmooth

I was supposed to have my check mailed out on the 24th and I received a letter saying my check has arrived but I never seen it i believe it was stolen what can I do
Don't use your…
August 02, 2020

In reply to by Jsmooth

Out check sent 2 old address. Called irs after getting the check # from stimulus center, only 4 IRS agents hanging up on me or immediately patching me 2 stimulus center who can't do anything til "indicator #" is applied to check for trace? Also, I am on SS now Too, so what happened is a head scratcher.
Amber
May 14, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

Same problem here now look it’s May the 14th and still no check I got the letter three days ago and my check was supposed to be here April 24th and no check yet!
Jay
May 15, 2020

In reply to by Amber

Same exact thing happened to me. Got a mailing date of April 24th, and on may 11th Received a letter telling me I was paid $1200 which I am still waiting on.
Erixz256
May 21, 2020

In reply to by Jay

Hi same here. My get my payment tool states that mine was mailed on April 27th and it’s May 21st and still no check. I did receive a letter in the mail on May 14th stating that I got paid, but I haven’t gotten a check yet. Anyone know the answer as to why?
Maryland
May 25, 2020

In reply to by Jay

I'm experiencing the same problem. Did you recieve your payment as yet?
NOVA
May 28, 2020

In reply to by TRACEE

TRACEE my check was stolen have you had any luck in finding a place to report it? I can't find anywhere
aberwife
May 23, 2020

In reply to by Amber

Yes! It's odd that we all have the same date. My date given by the tool is also April 24th. The letter I received is also dated April 24th. However, I have yet to receive anything. I am married and have four children. We own a small business that has been shut down. It's very frustrating that there wasn't a number to contact on the letter. I just want to make sure it's still coming, or make sure they know that it wasn't received if it should have been. This means so much for my family.
CalGalNow
May 27, 2020

In reply to by aberwife

me same thing, same date! Letter dated April 24th! online says check s scheduled to be nailed April 24th! No check yet, almost a month later. Nowhere to get info. faqs doesn't have an answer. my tax guy says could get it June! Maybe mine was stolen but how about you? my mailbox is an unlocked one. same dates tho, hmm. jeep ne posted & I will do same. hey how about writing to IRS in Austin Texas, where notice came from? I might do that.
Dreck
May 31, 2020

In reply to by CalGalNow

We scheduled your check to be mailed on May 15, 2020 to the address we have on file for you. We will mail you a letter with additional information on this payment,.....But I haven't even received a letter. Single & homeless :-(
Deedaa
June 02, 2020

In reply to by Dreck

Me too! My date is May 1st though, I still have not received it and I can’t find a number to call that has a live representative
lisazamb2166
May 30, 2020

In reply to by aberwife

Hi,everyone having the same problem with the irs tool,saying my information is not up to date. But I receive ssi and still cannot get the information for my check. What to do?????
Ashley 768
May 22, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

My stimilus check says it was mailed out on April 24th as well and I to have not received my check. I did however receive a notice 1444 to the address my check was to be mailed to with the amount, that I qualify and would receive it by check/debit. The number on the notice is garbage it's all automated does not let you talk to anyone period. I finally got through to the IRS and they tell me they know nothing about payments their only there for actual refunds. Has anyone else gotten this form dated April 24th but have not gotten their check that says it was mailed April 24th? I'm confused I know the address is right and apparently the IRS has it because I received the notice 1444 to that address.
CalGalNow
May 27, 2020

In reply to by Ashley 768

My letter/notice is also #1444 (EN-SP) saying same thing. I'm receiving this payment...Supposed to be mailed April 24th, letter is dated April 24th! NO CHECK YET. My mailbox is not the locked kind. Any chance it was stolen from your mailbox? Nowhere to find out anything! Someone said "track it" so maybe will try that. Frustrating. Let me know if you get yours please. I will do same.
DCROOK1
May 28, 2020

In reply to by Ashley 768

HI, SAME HERE MY DATE SAID APRIL 24TH AND STILL NO PAYMENT, BUT RECIEVED THE LETTER STATING THAT THE CHECK WAS SENT OUT. SO I KNOW THEY HAVE THE CORRECT ADDRESS. AND IT SUCKS THAT WE HAVE NO ONE TO SPEAK TO ABOUT IT
JOEL
June 01, 2020

In reply to by DCROOK1

Same here. I was told that my check has been mailed out but, I still did not receive it. Is there a way of requesting another check or replacement. I suspect it may have been lost or stolen. Where or whom do I inquire to?
1gMilk
June 07, 2020

In reply to by JOEL

Hello I had this same situation my check was mailed out April 24 still had not received it so I called the IRS number which is 1-800-919-9835 they now have live people you can talk to I waited from for two hours or less but I finally got someone on phone and they said they will process or resend me another payment it may take an hour or two for someone to answer but it may be worth it
happy
June 09, 2020

In reply to by 1gMilk

Your comment is very helpful because previous comments did not provide the phone number they were able to talk to someone. It was very frustrating while there was no channel to stop the money possibly going to the wrong hand. Your comment let me know that the number on the letter I received can reach someone to talk to. I tried today and I was able to talk to a guy and he transferred me to a lady to check on my check status. She told me that my check was returned undeliverable which is strange but she said it will be direct deposit to my bank account. I entered my bank account a few days ago in the irs.gov website.
Stepha25
August 24, 2020

In reply to by 1gMilk

Mine was also april24th and still no check
Shie
May 31, 2020

In reply to by Ashley 768

Call the identity theft hotline from irs, and also call the bureau of fiscal service I called them and they told me my check was cashed and I didn't receive it I have an open case now with usps oig
mo2020
June 01, 2020

In reply to by Shie

What is the number to call for not getting your check and it was sent to an account you have never seen
Dt77
June 19, 2020

In reply to by Ashley 768

I had the same date the post office told me they returned it because the address was incorrect I put mail on hold for the letter I received it and I kept calling that number and I press 1 for English and I didn’t touched anything else and they connected me to the representative I waited awhile but you will get to them they updated my information system now they will put money on my account but they did tell me that it would take 4 to 6 weeks I’m still waiting. Today is 16 days since I talk to the irs
Rose Mary
May 28, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

My husband got a letter saying it was mailed out April 24 th it is now May28 and still no stimulus . Any advice ?
juliette 70
May 31, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

Same here and I got the letter but no check ,have u found out any info or a way to report the check missing etc please help I’m so irritated and tired of going in circles like a dog chasing his tail and getting no were .
Dom3
June 19, 2020

In reply to by MadysMa

My stimulus check was supposed to reach me 4/24/20 Was what the irs.gov site said That day the mail man ran late 8pm I stay in a bad neighborhood so he was in a rush scared left the main mailbox open by the time I grab the mail key it was people out there I had different neighbors mail in my box so I'm making sure I put everyone mail in their boxes and out going mail in a closed mailbox I never recieved my stimulus I waited every day keep in mind I have 2 kids never received nothing until two weeks later I got the trump letter now I'm stressed out because I never got the stimulus check and no irs agent to talk to I ain't gone lie it was days I was crying then right when I was gone give up I called the number on the trump letter for the 10th time and got a agent told him what happen then he transferred me to another irs agent I verified some information told her what happened she said that she could possibly put a track on it but it had to wait aleast thirty 30 days before it could be considered missing and then call back so same steps as before talk to another agent after the 30 day wait to the date the check was supposed to be sent and she said the will scend a reissue it will take 6 weeks unless someone tried to cash it but let's keep positive vibes so after the mailbox incident I went to get informed mail delivery it really suck me and my kids had to go threw this still waiting on it and just want to tell all of yall your not alone and god will get us through this pandemic ❤
Marcus
May 13, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I have received the IRS letter and it does not have information about how to report failure to receive payment despite claiming on their website that the letter will contain such information.
Mookie
May 18, 2020

In reply to by Marcus

Right.. No it doesn't. And the number they do have doesn't help.
Asdfgjkll
May 19, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

How do I report the failure to receive the payment? My stimulus check was sent to one of my old addresses, I went and checked the mail out at the old address a couple times a week since May 1st and received a letter on May 13th from the IRS stating my check had arrived but I never got it. I think it was stolen. What should I do to get that money?
Highhopes
June 02, 2020

In reply to by Asdfgjkll

Hey I was just going through this same exact thang my check was to be delivered to the address on file on April 24th. The address on file was an address that I no longer lived so I had to keep going to the old address to check since April 24th. I received to letters from the White House at the old address stating that the payment was received but I never got the check. Like everyone else on here I thought someone had stole it from the mailbox or the new resident stole it. Here’s what I did. I simply went down to the post office to change my address I can’t remember the day I believe it was in the beginning of May. So yesterday June 1st I finally received my stimulus check in the mail at the new address with the new address printed on the check I was so happy I started screaming & running around the house I’ve been so patient and I’m a mother of 5. I hope this helps someone idk how everything works but just have faith go to your local post office and make sure they have your new address. A birdy told me if checks were returned they will sit at another location of the post office for a few weeks so I’d hurry to change my address if you already haven’t. Good Luck!
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