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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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Nita
March 18, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

People should be grateful for any help they get since the Goverment is not obligated to save us. The elderly, disabled, and unemployed may not be included in this stimulus program and they are the ones who really need it. We're all in the same boat, and everybody's lives are being affected. I'm sure no one prayed for a worldwide pandemic to happen to ruin your day. Be safe, stay positive, take care of yourself and your loved ones, but most importantly tell the ones that matter how much you love them. God bless and good luck.
Rainbowrobb
March 18, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

They have the date on cost of living for area code due to BAH compensation. $125k is a lot more in most area of the country, but it's minimum for some zip codes if you want a bedroom with a closet.
PaigeL
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

Totally agree with you. I'm on social security and get a little over $1,000,between bills I barely can afford to get groceries let alone personal hygiene products and other items I need. I can't even stock up on food, because I can't afford to.
HopeForAllAmer…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

Agree, people at no fault of their own become disabled or older people on social security are at low rate of income as well. People don't understand that people are barely making it on these very low monthly checks, can't work have to pay for co-pays and medications, and premiums which can take their already low check down dramatically as everything else rises such as taxes, home ins. food etc. No one wants to be in a situation they can't work but sadly it happens orr an older person who had lower wages and now stuck with very low social security as only income!
Concerned mama
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

I am a single mother who is on disability and public assistance. The way our economy is going the $800 I do get barley covers bills.
susan land
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

I’m 66 on Social Security. Can I expect a check of $1000 from the government ?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by susan land

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

Leona
April 02, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I get the child benefit and gst also $800 from my child’s father I live in low income housing. Can I get the money. Also I quit my job. Will that effect anything
DFF97
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

I am also on SSD and I barely have enough to pay bills, I cant even stock up on items I need because I cant afford to buy 10 rolls of toilet paper, 5 rolls of paper towels, 3 loafs of bread, like everybody else is in stores stockpiling and when I do go to pick up 1 loaf of bread or 1 gallon milk finding things sold out. People on disability need help to we are suffering we are not prepared for something like this. We barely make it month to month. Please help those in poverty, those on SSI, SSD, Veterns.
Mary
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

I recive enough really to pay rent and work with the electric company to keep my lights on. Can I get that check for 1000.00?
hld
March 19, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

Does anyone know the answer that if you are on disability will you receive a check ?
Aimee P
March 20, 2020

In reply to by PaigeL

I am in the exact position you are in... I get less than $1000 a month, I own my home so I pay ALL bills to keep my house running, after bills, there is NOTHING left. I am not just someone milking SSI. I worked since I was 15yrs old, unfortunately at 31 I had a grand mal seizure, and was eventually diagnosed with medically resistant epilepsy, I am not permitted to have a driver's license as a result, and because of the frequency of my seizures I have been deemed disabled , unable to work . But because I didn't have enough credits I only qualified for SSI not SSD . I am a single mom of a 16yr old boy who's now home all day. Eating CONSTANTLY...lol. This has already almost destroyed my savings as I've had to stock up on food and essentials. This is going to have a devastating effect FOR MONTHS on me and my son financially...smh. I just hope that we don't get swept under the rug.
Kimbo62
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

125,000.00 is really a guideline you want? How about those of us who USED to make that amount and then some. Now MS has taken that away. So from no fault of my own, my income is now is less than 20% of that. People like this need help. Please do something to help me and others like me. We need stimulus money also.
adelina
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

It’s $1,000 per adult and $500 per minor child now and if state of emergency is still in place in 6 weeks another round of the same amount will be distributed.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Jim B.

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

Getureal
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Nina Topaz

If someone makes 125'000 a year they don't needen help I get less thend 12000 a year
Joanna
March 18, 2020
I have a question about FTB mortgages, a lot of people are paying, but there are some people where companies close and what about such people as they are supposed to pay?They are afraid of losing thes houses. What can we do in such a difficult time?
Lizzyann
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Joanna

I get only 783 in SSI I can't even get a place of my own cause rent in tx is high
SILKYGM
March 18, 2020
Will disabled & reg veterans get the money as well as Seniors who are retired?
ERHRYn't usd M…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by jpduroche

WHAT HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHO ARE ON SSI WILL THEY GET MONEY AS WELL..
BHC ResDon't u…
March 18, 2020

In reply to by SILKYGM

I read somewhere that those receiving social security benefits will not be receiving any funds, it is supposedly those employed only.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by BHC ResDon't u…

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

Camote
March 24, 2020

In reply to by BHC ResDon't u…

Of course people on Social Security, SSDI, SSI, n veterans will get stimulas checks! You dont have to file! They already have ur information- Be patient U will receive ur $$$
Tori Rene
March 26, 2020

In reply to by BHC ResDon't u…

Hi that is untrue I am on disability and indivials who get social security payment will receive the stimulus
Wholcomb
March 18, 2020

In reply to by SILKYGM

I sure hope so I don't pay taxes on my v.a check and that's my only form of income
Vkrose
March 18, 2020

In reply to by SILKYGM

Will those on disability and SSI get a check? It sure would help. Between my husband and I we make less than 1200.00 a month. Hard to live on that. We go to food giveaway but probably they will be shut down soon too
Don't use your…
March 18, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I am wondering the same thing. Both myself and my Husband are on disability. We have a 5 year old and was depending on foodbanks and Missions to help us get by with food. And now they are closed we are seriously struggling. We just got into a place finally after having been homeless. So right now we are really hurting.
Black Orphan
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

The way I'm reading it, the stimulus will only be going to middle class who pay taxes, small businesses and health care. Do the people who are poor, poverty, on disability will get nothing. Which doesn't surprise me.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Black Orphan

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

Ginny
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

I believe the thought is that those on disability are not being put out of a job, having their hours cut, having to stop working because they are caring for their children and not taking a hit in income. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a check, I hope you do, but this is how our current senate views people on disability.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Worry

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

Disabled myself
March 18, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I live off of disability myself and cant seem to get anytype of info either as to if we are included to receive any type of a check to help us get through this epidemic as well. So my guess is that we will not. Its seems like thoughs of us who have worked and paid taxes all of our lives are forgotten about now that we are disabled and cant work any longer. I understand now why my father never paid taxes. He use to alwa always say taxes yea i pay them everytime i go to the store. Anyways i am really worried that those of us who cant work any longer because we are now disabled are going to be forgotten about during this time. It really scares me because we wont be able to make it if we cant get any type of relief to help us through this. I barely can survive as it is.
JohnW.M.3rd
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I sure hope we do! I recieve the max amount allowed by law for SSDI, which is roughly $780.00 & as you well know, it's almost impossible to make ends meet as is. After paying $500.00 a month in rent, I'm left with a measly $280.00 to pay utilities and liability insurance on my car. The amount given is no where near what the cost of living actually is these days! It took the government 2 years to add $10 or $11 for a cost of living adjustment.
A.Girl.Has.No.Name
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I truly hope we do. As someone who is disabled, (and has been since the age of 22, so I only get SSI, not SSD) I'm lucky enough to live with my retired father, (who Thank God, is healthy at 68, but for having had a quad bypass in '96) and while we can survive without the extra money (due to the "guaranteed" [for now] income of his SS & pension, and my SSI) my sister and HER family of 4 are struggling. I want to be able to give money from the "Virus payments" if we too, are entitled to them. Here's praying we get the facts (& $$$) soon. Whatever the case, stay safe and healthy, friend!
coreyj
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I receive ssi and would like to know will we be getting stimulus checks
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by coreyj

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

Timmmmm
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Vkrose

I too hope disabled SSDI folks get something,,,I know I have had to spend money I normally would not have had to.
Bekki
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Timmmmm

I haven't seen any answers yet. Are people on ssi and disability getting a check?
Bekki
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Timmmmm

I haven't seen any answers yet. Are people on ssi and disability getting a check?
Mj
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Timmmmm

What about us waiting on disability hearing. Do we get help to?
Jrstith
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Timmmmm

I hope people like myself who recives ssdi will receive a stimulus check also .
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