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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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4832 Comments

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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.
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  • 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.

sepia
March 18, 2020
It's so nice to see a message from the government that reads like it was written by an engaged human being. Keep up the good work.
DonSeptember
March 18, 2020

In reply to by sepia

I agree! The personal touch is very refreshing. Thanks for the info, the communications, and the 'be aware' heads up! And best of luck to you and yours in these abnormal times.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by silversister

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

AP1416
March 20, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Thank you. I will keep looking for updates. We are just all so very worried. Most of us have children to care for. Even if we don’t, I’m sure it is very hard for people. A lot of people are scared and confused I’m sure. Anyways. I do hope Trump considers low income people and people who are disabled. Ty
Don't use cwes…
March 27, 2020

In reply to by AP1416

People on SSI will get a stimulus package check, but how much, I'm not sure. It was on smartnews. I think it depends on how much money u get every month. My question is do u have to apply for it or does it go into your automatic deposit bank account?
Tbtent
April 02, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

I would also like to know.on checks for ssi if they will come ?
Nanny Hawkins
May 18, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

What have I not received my steamilious check I have have automatic deposit with direct Express. I am on social security SSI
Fed Up
April 02, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

I read in the news that you do not have to apply. You are automatically granted it. They are sending it the same way you receive your SSI. So if you have your bank information connected to your disability then that’s how the stimulus check is coming.
ricko
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Fed Up

thanks,,,you answered the question i was bout to ask,,,ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD,,,
kidrock19185340
April 21, 2020

In reply to by ricko

I want to know when we're going to get ours I would like to know when the stimulus check is going to be put on Direct Express Card I keep calling my card and I keep hearing the word zero can you please tell me when exactly was going to get it
Eddieed08
April 28, 2020

In reply to by kidrock19185340

I have direct Express card. My 1200 is pending when I checked today. If you are not registered with direct Express then go ahead and create an account or have someone do it for you. Download the App Login and you will see exactly the amount pending. To answer question the answer is yes your stimulus will come to your card.I do not know if they will also give my regular benefit s at the same time. According to my readings We should get it tonight. Hope this helps.
Kevin
April 13, 2020

In reply to by Fed Up

I get that and all but when do the people on SSI actually get their checks from the government.
Jllpn77
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Fed Up

I read that too. Same goes for people on disability . My disability goes by direct deposit onto my Direct Express debit card.
mindee99
April 09, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

My question is ......do I have to apply for it or does it go into your automatic bank account?
bunnygirl08072…
April 11, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

Will people on SSI that has a direct Express card get their money on their direct Express card
Sandylo
April 14, 2020

In reply to by bunnygirl08072…

No one can seem to answer this simple question about if the stimulus check will go on the Direct Express card that's wat people want to know. You cant get intouch with the IRS Social Security have no answers please we need answer. Thank You.
SweetLady63
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Sandylo

I would like to know if my stimulant check will come on my DirectExpress card with my regular monthly income, Since no one seems to be able to tell us that
Julie Laurent
March 19, 2021

In reply to by Sandylo

My payment in the pass has been on my prepaid card where i recieve my social security.why not this time.
Vanessalabuena
April 21, 2020

In reply to by bunnygirl08072…

J want to use my card has a chop but its said it's not invalid it's blocking so j couldebuse it again what can I fo
Don't use your…
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

Before we know about stimulus my son claimed me on his tax return.i pay my own way from social security benefits.also supports my wife.so my son got a 500 dollar tax credit and I lost 1200.not a good trade.if our social security benefits were increased,many seniors in my position would have an easier time accepting being claimed as dependent and loosing 1200.this would be a fair trade.we paid taxes too.is this the way to treat our seniors.i guess so.i have to remember we put the voters on this bill in office.Our bad.further more they vote as they want.or as expected to vote by their party.like so what if our older generation gets screwed.they really don't get it.we also need some help.i for one live below poverty line.aprox.11,050 a year.and also take care of my wife who can't get disability.go figure.
Don't use your…
April 18, 2020

In reply to by Don't use cwes…

I am a senior on ss,get paid by Direct deposit when will I see my stimulus money?
Doris Stevens
April 28, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

When can I expect my stimulus check I have direct deposit for my SSI ?
MARIE DOLAN
May 13, 2020

In reply to by Doris Stevens

DO I HAVE TO FILE ANY INFORMATUION FOR THE CHECK HOW LONG SHOUD IT TAKE TO ON SOCIAL SECURTY...…...DIRECT DEPOSIT
Gizmo2
June 24, 2020

In reply to by Doris Stevens

I qualify for the stimulus check but don't have it yet. When will it arrive?
Andree1
March 22, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I am disabled veteran. Will I receive a stimulus check from the government through the covid 19 enconomic package
C_-_22
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Andree1

I am also a concerned disabled desert storm veteran and would like to know if I will be recieving a stimulus check as well.
Q Sent Me
March 30, 2020

In reply to by C_-_22

Yes, anyone making under $75,000 a year will receive a check for $1200
Jean1221
April 08, 2020

In reply to by j

Individuals who earned more than $99,000 and couples who earned more than $198,000 jointly will not receive checks. The size of the check will decrease based on income for individuals who earned more than $75,000. The payment for individuals will shrink by $5 for every $100 earned over $75,000 and $150,000 for married couples.
101st ABN
April 11, 2020

In reply to by C_-_22

Hey brother I'm a desert storm veteran also and I think we don't have to do anything the money will come straight to our banks because social security and the VA have our routing information.However, I heard and read it would be 600 and I also heard and read it will be $1,200!So I just let it go and gonna try and let God take care of it for me Thanks for your service brother
DTG HYHAND 3
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Andree1

I receive SSI and veterans disability. Am I eligible for the stimulus funds.
Showarth
March 24, 2020

In reply to by DTG HYHAND 3

Social Security Administration data used directly; beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income, which often benefits old or disabled people in poverty, are not included in the current version.
Don't use your…
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Showarth

Yes we are stop giving false info
Andy Douglas
April 02, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

Will I be able to get my stimulus check on my Direct Express debit card that I received my SSI on every month
Perri Deborah
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Andy Douglas

Will my stimulus money go on my direct express card
Don't bobwrobl…
April 08, 2020

In reply to by Perri Deborah

I believe if not direct deposit then u get by check,they can't send to direct express card.call direct express,they were never included in info on this,so they direct express cards won't be used.
Mindi Millward
April 09, 2020

In reply to by Perri Deborah

Will my stimulus check go on my direct express card
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