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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.

FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Disabled_Veteran

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

BlessUsAll
March 21, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I would like to thank whoever's it is that is posting the answer from the offices. It seems as if people do not see the answer they want they keep asking. People will not read your response. They just keep asking. I'm just as curious for the answer I just lost my husband so half my income is gone. I am on disability as well. But I'm having to get a job I am able to do and I will. But it is nuts for those that just wont stop and read your comment. I feel for all of you in the offices. It would be of such great help. But as you said we have to wait and see. I wish all would read your response.you should have seen the thread I read to just find this link. All they could to is argue about if one person was being rude. Its nuts. God bless and thank you for the work you all are doing.
Don't use your…
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Disabled_Veteran

Everything I'm finding shows vets will be denied. But were vets what did you expect, you really think they care about us
Aaa
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Disabled_Veteran

We are well deserving of the same funds as each other American will RECIEVE fro the government, No discrimination should push the disabled population aside with all do RESPECT.
Shielda hunter
March 19, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

Will citizens on social security receive coronavirus relief check
SUSAN DAVIS
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Shielda hunter

Do retirees also get a stimulus check
catcat
March 20, 2020

In reply to by SUSAN DAVIS

Do retirees qualify for stimulus checks?
Snickers
March 26, 2020

In reply to by catcat

I don't file taxes, because my income is very low. Do I have to file, to receive, stimulus check?
Jeff Bartlett
March 26, 2020

In reply to by SUSAN DAVIS

I receive my monthly social security check using direct deposit into my checking account. I have not received an IRS refund check for years so I have not given the IRS my direct deposit information. My question is will the SSA share my direct deposit information with the IRS automatically or will I also have to provide my direct deposit information to the IRS in order to receive my coronavirus check electronically? I've tried to contact both the IRS and SSA and can't get through to anyone. Thank you very much. Best regards, Jeff Bartlett
sueboggs
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Shielda hunter

People on social security really need help and cannot work will we get a check??
vw252221964
April 14, 2020

In reply to by sueboggs

I am almost 80 yearsold and don't have much extra money will I get a stimulus check and how much will I get.
Charliep
April 14, 2020

In reply to by sueboggs

I am almost 80 years old and on a limited income will I get a stimulus check and when will I get it
Tango
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Charliep

My mom is on sis n has part time job age 86. She just received that check direct deposit of 1200$ on the 15th of this month
Redstar
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Shielda hunter

? Don't know . many people who are elderly live on less than $ 14,000 ayear
Don't use yjoe…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

I am disablex and live off 14,ooo a year. Will I recieve a check?
turbi
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yjoe…

I earn $12,000 a year no government assistance Will I get a check? With or without a check I still live on below poverty level I don’t want to be a burden on tax payers
Donutboy1!
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yjoe…

I am totally disabled and I don't file taxes well I still receive a check
Love to fish 3428
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Donutboy1!

Will I still get a stimulas check without filling taxes
kenneth23
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Love to fish 3428

I am on social security, I do not file income tax will I still get a stimulas check
john lien
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Donutboy1!

well i think will avoid these people even though they deserve it
JustConcerened
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Donutboy1!

No, receiving a check is based off your 2018 or 2019 tax return. From the research I habe done so far.
Carolrobles
March 27, 2020

In reply to by JustConcerened

That's only if you made 75,000.00 a year or more anything less you get Nathan.. I mean 0.00 ..zero dollars and zero cents...you get Nothan
lynn
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Donutboy1!

My question exactly, I’m on worker’s compensation, and I could use the money.
Accordb123
March 19, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

In veterans and people on disability should receive the check
Kamie
March 19, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

I hope so since the price of everything has gone up. 4.00 for bread 5.00 for milk even tho we get a va check doesnt mean we couldnt use some help.
Pamk
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Kamie

Bread is NOT $5. IT'S $1 AT WALMART. Where on Earth do you shop for food? Everyone is asking the same question about the stimulus checks. Maybe we need to READ the response from the FTC commenter who seems to be the one with some answers, but did say as of today there is no information on the checks yet. Relax people. Thank you and have a nice day.
Protect the People
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Kamie

That's illegal to price gouge during this devastating time with the C19 Virus. Report this to your local mayor, governor and anyone that will listen and investigate
True facts
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Protect the People

Bread is $4-$7. Milk is $5-$8. Here in Boston. It's crazy. General dollar selling single rolls of toilet paper for $5. Not right
Holly C
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Kamie

Oh wow! $4 for bread and $5 for milk? I hope it doesn't get that high in West Virginia. Heiner's bread is $1.50 and a gallon of milk is $2.50 here. I'm hoping everyone gets assistance. We definitely need it while being quarantined.
RDG
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Veteran

Retirees also pay higher costs, and suffer shortages. They have extra expenses arranging for grocery and medication delivery. Will retirees receive government checks? Why does no one want to address this question?
Sonar
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Veteran

Will disabled veterans receive the look proposed 2020 stimulus?
eavants4022
March 19, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

I hope so the extra cost of self quarantine and the cost of everything during this time self quarantine. Having to extra at stores plus extra for delivery.
Pyramid1$
March 21, 2020

In reply to by eavants4022

How would the government know or address or bank information to send out the emergency stimulus money if your address or banking information has changed? Tomiko Robinson question.
Dobie101
March 21, 2020

In reply to by eavants4022

I'm on disability but I work at least eight months out of the year and they take half to check for taxes I don't see why I can't get a stimulus check
Don't use yo
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Linsey71

How will you decide how much and who will receive these checks, and I think that our Federal Goverment should start out paying each tax paying adult $2,500 each. Wayne Smith
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Regina

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

wsorrell4
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Regina

I want to know the same thing? I'm a Disabled Veteran will we get a check also?
Barrack
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Linsey71

No they won't. As usual we don't care about Seniors, retirees or those on disibility
TxBear69
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Linsey71

Was told yes but not 100p or so more like 300 or 600.Best find out n wait n see what happens.
maxie
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Linsey71

I need a reply , will retired social security people get 2020 stimulas checks
Fairness
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Linsey71

Makes more sense to have the SSA process the stimulus checks instead of the IRS. The SSA has the IRS records of all earned income and is in the business of benefits payments not IRS tax collections.
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