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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.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

Jerry NMN Atilano
April 12, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

Will l get my stimulus check on direct express card
Don't use your…
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Jerry NMN Atilano

I receive ssi do i need to do anything in order to receive my stimulus check i get direct deposits on my direct exspress debit card my check gets deposited every month fron the us tressary Tammis V Bester
MaryP
April 30, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

You should not have to do anything further. Only if u have a dependant. You will need to claim them to receive the extra $500 per dependant. Your money should post on your Direct Express Card and or your regular bank acct.
jeffwtaylor93
April 20, 2020

In reply to by Jerry NMN Atilano

I am a ssdi recipient and despite need the stimulus money When will it be in my account ?
Lmiller
April 29, 2020

In reply to by jeffwtaylor93

Ok have read over and over that if on SSI our stimulus check will go on our Direct Exspress card, but when? People on SSD received theirs today
100%American
May 11, 2020

In reply to by Lmiller

If you have direct express your money should be deposited on your card on May 13 no latter than may 15 if it's not on there by now they could have messed up and might be sending a paper check waiting sucks I hope you get your money
Reebell321
April 13, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

So will my stimulus check be on my Direct Express Card
mpereira1943
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Reebell321

My does not working and I get my social security my is going to get a check also?
WANDA
April 13, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

Will my stimulus check come on my direct Express card.
Wannie
April 21, 2020

In reply to by WANDA

I receive ssi and ssa will I get my stimulus Check on my Direct Express
CARDALE
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

HI PAMELA ANDERSON SO IM REPLYING BACK TOO YOUR REPLY COMMENTS SO I CURRENT HAVE DIRECT EXPRESS CARD AS WELL SO THATS WHAT THEY ARE SAYING SOME OF THE STIMULUS PAYMENTS WILL POST ONTO DIRECT EXPRESS CARD BY APRIL 15TH
Barry Frazier…
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Pamela Anderson

I don't have a bank account I get my money on a Direct Express card.
CDon't use you…
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Barry Frazier…

Will i get my simatale check on my direct express card
Karen Held
April 17, 2020

In reply to by Barry Frazier…

Do I still have to fill out form to get my stimulus on my Direct Express card?
TinkertoyDon't…
March 30, 2020

In reply to by Gina

When we get the stimulus money will it be on my direct express account where I get my social security payment. I don’t have a regular bank account
Paul
April 03, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

Will stimulus package go to my direct express
Herbert Brown
April 05, 2020

In reply to by Paul

Are people who draw social security receive a stimulas check?
Starlight
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Herbert Brown

Yes, you may have heard the answer to your question already but just in case you haven't.. Yes, $1,200 will be deposited, direct deposit to your bank just like your monthly check. Peace and Blessings
Scared36
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Starlight

I'm on SSDI and have not yet received my stimulus money. I only receive $418 month...shouldn't I have been first in line for the $? Well, then, where is it?!
Rosco2448
April 19, 2020

In reply to by Scared36

I am SSDI beneficiary as well,I believe we will receive our stimulus check directly deposited before paper checks are mailed and they scheduled to go out April 20th so hopefully tomorrow. I've read so many things that tell u so many different things!! SSI it says will get no later than May 4th! Who knows????
ANNETTE ULLRICK
April 23, 2020

In reply to by Rosco2448

I JUST WANT THE TRUTH ON WHEN ARE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE DIRECT EXPRESS CARDS GOING TO GET THERE MONEY ON THERE CARD THAT IS ALL I WANT TO NO
FTC Staff
April 24, 2020

In reply to 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."

Theressa Walker
April 08, 2020

In reply to by Paul

Direct Express card holder will they get the stimulus money on that or will we get a check
katzb620
April 06, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

I don't know for sure, but one think so since SSDI and SSI is a government funded program
Bobie louise Ball
April 09, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

So i get my sdi payments every month on my direct express card yes or no will i receive my stimulus check on my dorect.rcpress.card yes or no
Mirak
April 13, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

Has anyone gotten their response concerning payment of stimulus check on direct express card?...I really need to know please...thx
Don't use your…
April 18, 2020

In reply to by Mirak

My buddy received his stimulus check last Saturday he still has a job
Robert Ramsey
April 29, 2020

In reply to by Mirak

I got a date for the 29th for my stimulated check to be on my direct express card but it's not
jando
April 25, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

I'm hoping it will because I have direct express and my social security goes on it
Mamdyd82
May 07, 2020

In reply to by TinkertoyDon't…

When will my stimulus check be on my direct express card
Spring Lock
April 01, 2020

In reply to by Janice Prothro

Same question here, thank you to all y’all for asking the question ❤️ Thank you FTC!!:-)
Curious K
April 05, 2020

In reply to by Spring Lock

Yes, yes, yes. I most definitely agree. We direct express users, would greatly appreciate, any "SPECIFIC", UPDATES.
Gayle
April 06, 2020

In reply to by Spring Lock

Can you please release information about stimulus payment and Direct Express cards slot of people are asking with no answer being given. Will the IRS. Place stimulus payment on Direct Express cards for seniors and disabled people on social security benefits
cateyes0260
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Gayle

Yes I'm wondering the same thing will people that has Direct Express Card get there check on it ?
bigmiller60
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Gayle

How do I find out if my stimulants money is deposited into my account
Kia18101
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Janice Prothro

IDK, I'm asking the same thing. I also get SSI and don't have a bank account, just direct deposit on Direct express card.
Missyk
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Kia18101

Yes I have read where it will be loaded on your direct express card
FTC Staff
April 16, 2020

In reply to 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.

Kellykin
April 20, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

This is to the staff on this site my son gets social security benefits from his dad I understand that I do not need to file but I did go on irs to file the non filing form for the dependents part my question is when will I get my stimulas check
lhussey26
April 22, 2020

In reply to by Nomadz

i have filed my taxes for 2018 and 2019 and i haven"t received my stimulant deposit i use direct deposit
Don't use your…
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Missyk

Where have you read that because I am also on SiSDI with the direct exspress!