Skip to main content

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.

Search Terms
coronavirus
government
identity theft
IRS
malware
phishing
scam
theft
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts
Scams
All Scams
Avoiding and Reporting Scams
curley j…
August 07, 2020
this guy is trying to take two of my checks he got for me that was suppose to come too me in arkansas a going too start a bank account with all my information with diffrent password he is planning to sreal my money he is so smart for hes own go he is so trying to screw me he has ness up my google sign in
Pepperment pat…
August 09, 2020
Someone cashed stimulus check twice by using app to deposit then cashed check in person. Signed name in pencil, then erased it and signed it again to cash it.
Doryan
August 14, 2020
Apparently, I'm unable to register for an IRS account and I have no alternatives. Let me explain why: Firstly, I can't call this 800-919-9835 number, because calling it from Mexico is cost prohibitive. I'm not paying more than a dollar per minute, especially when you can be waiting for over 15 minutes on the line. Secondly, Form 3911 asks for an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), which I cannot even obtain, because I can't even register for an IRS account. One would ask why I can't register for an IRS account? Well, they say you need the following information, which I do have other than the ITIN. But then they ask for a financial account to register, which I don't have. Technically speaking, I do have a paid student loan, but then they need it to be current, so there goes my only option. And to make things worse, Form 3911 is a generic one, which does not allow me to even fill it out correctly, as it is catered towards Americans living in the U.S. So I'm pretty much out of luck and unable to register. So what are my alternatives? www. irs. gov/ payments/ view- your- tax- count# alternatives There are no alternatives shown on that link. Well thanks for sending me an Economic Impact Payment by check/debit card that got stolen in the way, for which I cannot even file a claim that I never received it. So even though 9 weeks have gone by since it was mailed, I can't even do anything.
Asbutler1996
August 14, 2020
When I first got my check I gave it to my landlord for rent payment. I didn’t have I.d at the time and the bank didn’t have any signatures or anything to compare mine to so even though is signed it over to him they said I was required to show I.d. To cash it. About a week after that happened though they illegally cut off my power and illegally evicted me. So even though yes I was the one who signed it over, it’s just sitting in his bank account until I show up with I.d but I didn’t get the two months worth of rent like I was supposed to. What do I do in that sutuaution? So basically it’s like I paid for something from someone and then was never given what I paid for and the check is just sitting in limbo...? And I want my money back since I didn’t get the service I paid for
GovIsaLIE
August 15, 2020
The identitytheft.gov is a sincer JOKE. It's been 4 months and i still havent heard anything back. False claims that it will only take a few days to hear a response.
Katie386
August 16, 2020
if my stimulus card was stolen from my mailbox and they spent everything i had on the card, i already filed a dispute how long will it take to receive my money back???
MZ
August 17, 2020
Still no resolution! My envelope/check finally arrived two months or so late in the summer, after I contacted the IRS about it being missing. Thus, the IRS put a block on the check as uncashable, and further assured me a letter would arrive by late July or early Aug. Now Aug 17 and still nothing. So I called the 800 stimulus number, and got a quick reply. Somehow, she thought I was inquiring about my income tax refund (which btw is also STILL not refunded- since April filing), so the IRS line I was transferred to was wrong, and besides it was just recordings. Then I call the 800 stimulus number again, and this time, they transferred me again, this time to the correct IRS office to resolve the stimulus check issue. Unfortunately (and not surprising actually), the automated message said they were too busy, and to call back another time, maybe tomorrow. This all so unbelievable.
Danny1968
August 18, 2020
My ex took my stimulus. Changed my status to joint to do it. I filed the proper form and submitted, however, i am unable to open an account on FTC site hecause Im in Asia and my phone wont receive verification code. Is there a good contact that can provide status update, whether IRS or FTC? Ive spent much time on phone. Need specific contact point, general numbers ineffectual. Tx
Kernsherry99
August 22, 2020
I filled a stimulus out months ago and had to fill out a theft paper and my personal info and mail it to you guys I did and still haven’t got my stimulus this was months ago why
Donna in Penns…
August 24, 2020
My husband owes back child support, we knew his check was going to his X wife. But they took mine too I don't owe he does. I contacted Nashville Domestic Relations with no help the women said she needed to speak to my husband which he tried he called left voicemails I have contacted her via e mail with no help. I need my money back but don't know how to get it. Now, if there is a second stimulus I am afraid it will go to her again.
MZ
August 27, 2020
Success finally and a happy ending! I just received and successfully deposited my stimulus check that was scheduled for May 1 delivery. Informed delivery showed its picture for May 8 delivery and it didn't arrive. During the summer I called the IRS and asked for a trace. Later the check did arrive late, which was probably a snafu in the delivery process. But it would not cash because the IRS blocked it because of the inquiry. It was to be resolved by early August. Then about the third week of Aug, I called, and they said there was some computer glitch and that they would surely send it out Aug 21. Which they did, except catch this, and I know my story is starting to sound like a tall tale, but we were mandatorily evacuated from fire in California! And sure enough, we left before the delivery date. But luckily, another post office held everybody's mail. I went there yesterday, gave my name and address in the waiting line outside, and just a few moments later, my actual letter carrier came out to me personally with a pile of mail. Knowing I had been looking for that stimulus check/letter, he said "Just a second", and then reached into the bundle of mail, grabbed the Stimulus Letter with the check for $1200 (and not a gift card as I feared), and handed it to me with a smile. Pretty nice! All's well that ends well. GTLA
MJ
August 28, 2020
I became a victim of identity theft on my tax return 2019. I was using professional tax filing firm and my info was stolen. That was the 1st time I came to know Federal Trade Commission services, which I highly appreciate. Meanwhile I have never ever received Stimulus check and IRS website says it will deposit the payment into some bank account which I never opened or own. I believe IRS will deposit it into account of the identity thief. I decided to file a report regarding my Stimulus Check as well in order to prevent IRS from sending the payment into a wrong account. Thank you for your excellent web service of Federal Trade Commission.
Moni..p...
September 09, 2020
In June I found out that my stimulus payment was cashed by someone who wasn't me I filled out some forms called 1133 I sent them back as soon as I got them the same day just barely a week ago I received a letter from the Department of Treasury that my check was still being investigated how long do I have to wait after this letter it's been 3 months since I've mailed everything back
ahanearon
September 22, 2020
i don't know what happened to my stimulus check i got a letter stating it was enclosed but there was no check
Don't use your…
September 22, 2020
An ID theft stole my stimulus payment
Don't use your…
September 26, 2020
I've submitted this to identitytheft.gov months ago but haven't heard a response. What action should I take? I know for a fact my check was stolen.
Leesi
September 27, 2020
I received a EIP letter saying my payment was being sent. The IRD web site said it was sent on May 8. It didn't arrive. I sent in a form 3911 with EIP written on the heading in late August with a copy of the EIP letter and the date the check was sent. (My husband received his check and he followed up prior to when I did.) I still have not received a response or a check. How do I get a response. I can't call the phone number, I tried. I live in New Zealand. ( I file USA tax and I'm getting ready to file my 2019 tax (my account prepared).
Jerome lreid
October 03, 2020
Some one got my card and set it up and got my money can you please find out for me and I need you to take care of this matter
Jess562
October 05, 2020
Wht happends with second stimilus check if the first one was stolen and received by someone else using my information and they received it in there account and I already reported it and submitted form 14039 online for feaud.
Mean beaux
October 14, 2020
When I tried fill out for my stimilus check the system found that my social had already been used. So I filled out the identity theft form. Will I still receive my stimilus check? Is there anything else I need to do?
Don't use your…
October 21, 2020
Can i have the I.R.S. email for identity theft.
BecSchae
October 22, 2020
Our EIP was sent via direct deposit to someone who used my SS# to get more money for their family. Our federal tax refund however made it to our correct account. HUH? how is this possible? Then to be told it is up to me to prove we did not receive it? If I did not need the money it would be funny; but it's not.
James Del
October 28, 2020
I was just released from prison and I tried filing for the stimulus check but someone has already used my info to do so then I reported it and now they are saying I can’t revive it is that true
Angryman
November 03, 2020
My girlfriend open an online bank account. Without my knowledge. And then has my stimulus check direct deposit to that account. Then lied to me said she never received. I have all the documentation. That she did in fact commit this hyannis crime. I hope she get convicted. She didn't even spend it our kids. She bought drugs from her brother
Kristymartinez
November 03, 2020
When I file on line it tell me this has already been filed I have never filed before and never received a confirmation email from irs saying accepted or rejected my check status says payment status not available no one on the 800-829-1040 or ...1954 phone # will help me all very rude and I don’t know what to do does anyone have a suggestion?
Daughter in law
November 20, 2020
Someone claimed my Mother in law illegally on their taxes and they received her stimulus check instead of my Mother in law. The IRS is aware of this and so is state officials but they have yet to issue her a check. She is 87 years old and needs that check to help her. What can we do to see that she gets that check ?
Mayo
December 21, 2020
someone used my social security number to get my stimulus check was never informed about it.
CC81
December 27, 2020
How do I report stimulations fraud? The lady hasn’t had custody of her kids since October 2019 but is getting both stimulus check?
Paul
December 28, 2020
Me and my son have the same name except for the middle name and he is saying it is his check but it clearly has my name what can I do to report it
Renay31
December 28, 2020
Can I report someone getting a stimulus payment for dependents not in their household? And if I have a new dependent this year that wasn't on my 2019 taxes but will be on my 2020 taxes, will I receive a payment for them?
Felicitegucci
December 29, 2020
I believe someone is using my name and social on getting the stimulus check I have not received it since that started but someone else made an account for me and it's saying that someone is receiving it but that person is not me what could I do or what should I do
LoopPac625
December 30, 2020
Someone I use to deal with is getting my benefits
Ralphfish1993
December 31, 2020
I don't know if somebody hacking my stuff
Mama1962
January 03, 2021
Someone stole my son's stimulus check I have his power of attorney how do I report it
Dee
January 04, 2021
How do I get my stimulus back somebody had it sent to their account & changed my information to their information!?!?
Soph
January 04, 2021
My 2nd stimulus went to a different bank account than my 1st stimulus. The 2nd one is not one of accounts, and I did not update or change any information from my 1st stimulus direct deposit info. I have filled out the affidavit, as well as, froze my credit & placed a fraud alert on my credit. Hpw long does the process take until I receivey second stimulus?
Ripped off Son
January 04, 2021
My son's 2nd stimulus payment went to an unknown bank account. It looks like he might have been the victim of a mistake or fraud. What can he do? Can he still get his money? How? When?
areuserious
January 05, 2021
I just checked the irs website and it says that the stimulus deposit was deposited yesterday to an account that is not mine. Seriously? My first stimulus payment was deposited correctly. How can a someone steal my deposit? I've never been married and have only had 1 bank since a teenager and I am middle aged so that rules out any "what if" scenerios. It's aggravating that there is not enough information out there to figure out how to resolve this.
Gizzy307
January 05, 2021
What happens if your stimulus pmt was deposit into account that you don't recognize is there any hope of getting it back please help
UpsetMama!
January 05, 2021
Hi, I have a question. My stimulus check was just deposited into my banking account, and within 2 days, was also drained out by somebody that hacked into my account somehow. I beleive this person is in California, and I am not. I had spent some of my money before they got to it, but the majority was stolen. The bank is almost impossible to get in touch with and after being on hold for over an hour everytime I call, they either hang up on me or I cant understand their broken english, so then they hang up on me after frustration on both ends. What do I DO? Please help!!
Mitzy
January 05, 2021
If you used H&R Block to pay fee processing for your 2019 return. They are taking the $600 stimulus and if you owe them money taking it out your stimulus. I was looking to purchase necessities and ended up with HR Block depositing $190 to my account. never new it cost $400 to process taxes now you can't get them on the phone.
Mj7863
January 05, 2021
Someone used my social security number in order to receive my stimulus check What can I do about this
Fairyfaith
January 05, 2021
They let someone steal both my checks too. Been on SSD for 8 years. Same bank account number the entire time. They make me sick letting us get ripped off. I had a trace put on the first one so why would they deposit the 2nd check into that same account. It blows my mind.
MB812
January 05, 2021
Same thing as everyone else is reporting. Somehow my check was sent to someone else's account. Last check that was sent went through fine. We need answers!
12pointbuck
January 05, 2021
I received my first stimulus check it was direct deposited in my account. My second stimulus check was deposited in a different account. Who do I need to contact is there a number for IRS to call.
Don't use your…
January 06, 2021
Both my stimulus checks was deposited in a bank account in a state that I don't even live in and I have been waiting for 4 months now for the IRS to get it straightened out and still haven't heard from them threw mail or ph.
meohmy
January 06, 2021
My check was deposited into my “friends account I used to have my taxes deposited into. She won’t give it to me. Will the irs help me?
Beckster35
January 07, 2021
What should I do if my stimulus was stolen by my former spouse because we filed jointly it in 2018 when they sent me my stimulus they sent it to the account on file and I don't have access to it he does and refuses to give it to me or send it back to the irs
Return to top