Consumer Alert
Checks from the government
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:
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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In reply to Will I get my stimulus by Sharon1
In reply to Will I receive my stimulus by Pamela Anderson
In reply to Will l get my stimulus check by Jerry NMN Atilano
In reply to I receive ssi do i need to do by Don't use your…
In reply to Will l get my stimulus check by Jerry NMN Atilano
In reply to I am a ssdi recipient and by jeffwtaylor93
In reply to Ok have read over and over by Lmiller
In reply to Will I receive my stimulus by Pamela Anderson
In reply to So will my stimulus check be by Reebell321
In reply to Will I receive my stimulus by Pamela Anderson
In reply to Will my stimulus check come by WANDA
In reply to Will my stimulus check come by WANDA
In reply to Will I receive my stimulus by Pamela Anderson
In reply to Will I receive my stimulus by Pamela Anderson
In reply to I don't have a bank account by Barry Frazier…
In reply to I don't have a bank account by Barry Frazier…
In reply to If I get in my direct Express by Gina
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to Will stimulus package go to by Paul
In reply to Are people who draw social by Herbert Brown
In reply to Yes, you may have heard the by Starlight
In reply to I'm on SSDI and have not yet by Scared36
In reply to I am SSDI beneficiary as well by Rosco2448
In reply to I JUST WANT THE TRUTH ON WHEN by ANNETTE ULLRICK
On April 20, the Social Security Administration said if you get Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you don't need to take any action with the IRS.
Social Security said "You will automatically get your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits."
In reply to Will stimulus package go to by Paul
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to So i get my sdi payments by Bobie louise Ball
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to Has anyone gotten their by Mirak
In reply to Has anyone gotten their by Mirak
In reply to Has anyone gotten their by Mirak
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to When we get the stimulus by TinkertoyDon't…
In reply to If I get in my direct Express by Gina
In reply to Will my stimulus money be put by Janice Prothro
In reply to Same question here, thank you by Spring Lock
In reply to Yes, yes, yes. I most by Curious K
In reply to Same question here, thank you by Spring Lock
In reply to Can you please release by Gayle
In reply to Can you please release by Gayle
In reply to Will my stimulus money be put by Janice Prothro
In reply to IDK, I'm asking the same by Kia18101
In reply to Yes I have read where it will by Missyk
In reply to Ok then where did you read by Panterasghosts
On April 15, the Social Security Administration updated its website to say people who get Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, and who do not have qualifying children under age 17 do not need to take any action with the IRS. You will automatically receive your $1,200 economic impact payment directly from the IRS. You should receive the automatic payments by direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or by paper check, just as you would normally receive your Social Security benefits.
In reply to On April 15, the Social by FTC Staff
In reply to Yes I have read where it will by Missyk
In reply to Ok where did you read that by Nomadz
In reply to Yes I have read where it will by Missyk
In reply to Where have you read that by Don't use your…
Click here to go to the SSA.gov/coronavirus page. Scroll down the page and read the question that says How do I get my COVID-19 economic impact payment?