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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.

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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.

kellyhowell378
April 03, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

Will people with service connected disability SSI and SSDI get $1,000.00 from stimulus plan
moma moma 123456
March 20, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

If you owe federal government or child support are we receive a check
Don't use your…
March 20, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I’m on SS. I haven’t been required to file a return. Will Govt. send checks thru SS address or auto bank deposit acc?
Just me
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

From what I have read is go ahead and file a tax return even if you enter all zeros but if you get SS use those numbers they sent you as it would be fraud if you dif not. Even if you have no taxable income it's best to file this yearvas I have seen that the IRS is using tax returns to get money out to those who qualify for not having to much income. If an account is used they should deposit into that and of not a paper check should be sent. My opinions from what I have read on several government websites.
tee
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

The latest update I read, they were planning to use the same system used back in 2008. The IRS was in charge of issuing stimulus checks based on tax returns. Those that did not have to file were required to file in order to get a check. It will create more of a hardship now because of having safety precautions in place, like the quarantine and social distancing… plus tax preparation offices and govt offices are closed to the public. I’m hoping this will be changed. Issuing checks using the govt data base for SS , veterans and disabled recipients would be the best way to make sure people who need help the most would get it.
Wallace214
March 22, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

Do people that owe child support get a check even though their paying and behind and if not that's unfair because we pay taxes and we need help to
Don't use yoRi…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Wallace214

I owe back child support but have been paying each month as required. Will they take my stimulus check? If they do I wont be able to pay this months or next months.
bethleyn
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yoRi…

From what I have seen they will take it. Also child support comes out of unemployment.
Slimpickins1974
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yoRi…

Did you get an answer for this, I'm in the same boat.
Stevep
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yoRi…

I'd like to know too. I'm paying for back support by disability garnish
Cheflee420
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yoRi…

From what I saw they will take what is owed for back child support.
Phil
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Don't use yoRi…

They said no which is totally unfair!! We need help also!!
Bruce1784
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Wallace214

Did they answer your question bc I owe back child support to?
Kimberly
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Bruce1784

If I owe back child support and paying payments will I receive a check
sherm07
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Wallace214

I’m with you on the child support I’ve been out of a job for a while I’m behind on child support my taxes this year they took all of my return and I have 3 kids and to support and the one kid that I’m on child support I’ve never takin a dna test and I’m so far behind on child support it’s ridiculous if they don’t send us any and it’s not fair you can owe the irs and still get a check that’s stupid if u ask me
Papaw64
March 22, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I am a 67 year old senior and I owe back child support, will i get the 2020 stimulus check i pay regular child support back payments taken directly out of my social security.
typhoon 957 yo…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

If I owe back taxes or child support will I receive a stimulus check?
tennesee titans 27
March 25, 2020

In reply to by typhoon 957 yo…

Do I get stimulus check if I owe back child support
Genosha62
March 26, 2020

In reply to by typhoon 957 yo…

I owe back child support will I still be able to receive funds?
Blueberry143
March 25, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I have the same question because i owe child support but i have a child at home with me too i have to take care of and having a very hard time with no money. I hope we get a answer.
Love4CTSV
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Blueberry143

I am one who owes back child support as well so wondering if this check gets intercepted by Government or is it issued to me and the others in my situation?
DavodC0788
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Blueberry143

I owe back child support and I’m really wondering if I’m getting anything. I don’t see how it’s fair. We get money taken every week and now with the lose on hours and that with benefits. I can’t even put gas in my car to get to work. Does anyone know of a way to address this or reach out with our concerns. People owe millions in taxes but they get a break, come one
darling
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Blueberry143

If you owe back child support there is a law stating that you will not get a stimulus check. The law was put in place in 1996.
Mon
March 28, 2020

In reply to by Blueberry143

I pay a lot monthly and recently laid off Was hoping I would get a check to pay my bills. I owe back child support so will my check be taken?
Phil
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Blueberry143

They said no which is totally unfair we pay taxes also and work this is not right I'm tired of the government being bias towards people who pay but had bad luck and fell behind!!
Don't use your…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

If I owe back child support and are making my payments , will I get my stimulas check ?
kwrenn71
March 27, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

Im on SSD and i owe back child support do i still get the check or does it go to the state of Florida
moma moma 123456
March 20, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

If you owe federal government or child support are we receive a check
Dojn't use you…
March 21, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

Hi am a tax payer an dont get nun bac just wondering about this check yall talking about I know I want get nun yall take it all an I pay child support
Stan
March 21, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I would like to know the answer to this question as well. Since they already took my taxes!!!!!!!!
Single dad
March 22, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I want to know the same. Owe support for 2 children but I am a single parent to another child and since him being out of school I havent worked. Will people who have child support obligations receive money ?
Latasha Brown
March 22, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

until they get control of the coronavirus no one should have to pay childsupport alot of people losing there jobs
Dre
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Latasha Brown

Do kids stop needing food and shelter all of a sudden? Don't the parents who have the children and receive support still have to feed the kids even if they lost their job?
I Cropper
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Latasha Brown

Trust me they are still taking it out of my check and if i get laid off unemployed won't cover and it will add up on me.
Lillenny
March 26, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

I want to know if im on child support will i get stimulus check or will they take?
Trippy
March 26, 2020

In reply to by moma moma 123456

You'll still get a check. They cannot deduct anything from your stimulous check for those reasons.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

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

Tcollins1116
March 26, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Now that the new bill has been passed I would like to know if people who owe child support will be receiving checks?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

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

FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by DCHART

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

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