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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.

Don't use your…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by DonSeptember

I'm 65 and retired and have a handicap son how do I get money from the government
Carlita
April 03, 2020

In reply to by DonSeptember

Totally agree. Very refreshing. I had to double check the site.
Panterasghosts
April 16, 2020

In reply to by DonSeptember

Well if it was such a " personal ", touch, then why won't they personally answer the biggest direct deposit questions , especially when a million and 2 people have been asking this question. " If I am on ssdi and receive my regular payment each month on my direct express card, will I get my stimulus money on the same card???
FTC Staff
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Panterasghosts

On April 15, the Social Security Administration updated its website to say that 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.

ray
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Thankful

we are old and most of us poor getting a extra check would help us also we eat need cloths pay utility do not think we are not struggling now be fair we payed taxes for years heip all social secrity people just like all the other americans
Snoiser27
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Davis844

I don't see them given us checks, they figure we can survive on social security, work All my life and payed taxes, but they don't look at it like that. They really don't care about the elderly and the handicap or the vet's or the homeless. Trump said All Americans will get it. Now it is a different story. Crazy ant it
cathy
April 05, 2020

In reply to by Snoiser27

so will people on ssi disability get a stimulus check even though we pay no taxes
BeeShopDon't u…
March 18, 2020

In reply to by sepia

echoing the positive comments about the FTC's pro active and anticipatory message. very helpful. thank you
SallyAlso
March 18, 2020

In reply to by BeeShopDon't u…

I am concerned if the Stimulus Checks are mailed, they will be lost or stolen. I am hoping it could be added to my SSDI deposit.
JenC
March 18, 2020

In reply to by SallyAlso

Will people on social security disability be receiving a check too?
Goverment$'t u…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will social security and disability individuals also get 1000.? Will survivors get as well of deceased spouse?
Dcollins507377
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Goverment$'t u…

I do not understand they leave. Social security disability out of everything we are not dead yet but we are struggling please help us to
joyfullcupon't…
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Goverment$'t u…

will people on social security or disability get the stimulus check also
Lawson von broad
March 26, 2020

In reply to by joyfullcupon't…

Since im on ssdi will I still get a stimulus package of $1,200.00? Thank you. Lawson von broad.
Judy
March 26, 2020

In reply to by joyfullcupon't…

Im on disabulity get 478 each month do i have to sine up for the 2020 check
Dana
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

I was wondering the same thing but still have not gotten any answers or know where to find the answers.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Dana

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

Loretta cowher
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will ppl on as be getting a check
LJA56
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Loretta cowher

There's nothing known yet watch your tv when the president talking and you will learn more of when or if they are going send anyone checks
TSCOTT8
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

I'm on S.S.I which means I'm broke as a joke. The stimulus check is for helping the economy out. Which means people on S.S.I too. Thank about it? We pay rent, food(I dont have food stamps), we would like to buy hand sanitizer and all accessories like that. Economy is everything. So I'll like to buy stuff too. I HEARD all ADULTS will get a stimulus check of a $1,000, maybe a little more.
Talton64
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will people in social security disability be getting a stimulus check
RebeccaTurner
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

The people that get social security would they get a stimblus check too
Quick
March 20, 2020

In reply to by RebeccaTurner

They are saying only current tax payers will get checks. That's not fair. I worked 30 years and struggling with cancer among other things but I won't get a check because I'm disabled and not paying taxes at the moment. Even tho I paid them for 30 years. Not fair.
Don't use your…
March 25, 2020

In reply to by sisi

I have been disabled since 1992 because of a botched surgery have not been able to work since and that was the age 42 I am now 71 years old will I get a stimulance check because I am low income
Sheri@6767
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will people on social security disability get a check
Scott
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Has anyone found out if ssdi people get a stimulus check
Roger
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

When will we know if we are going to get checks if we are on disability or ssi
DonBenitaH't u…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

I would like to know if I am going to receive a stimulus check also and I draw Social Security
Backwoodsi wouldil
March 24, 2020

In reply to by DonBenitaH't u…

Will elderly people on ss receive money on there ck's
hippieteddybear
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

I too am on disability about 1200 a month but I haven't filed any tax returns in 3 years since I don't owe anything, will I get a stimulus check??
Chester beeman
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will i get a relief check im on ssi retirement and dose it go on my card
Carmelite9
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Chester beeman

when will these checks arrive? Will they be deposited rightinto my bank account just like my regular social security?
Bonniesearles1…
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

Will seniors get a check also?
RMC
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Bonniesearles1…

Will seniors on Social Security will receive a check and if so for how much. This is regarding the coronavirus situation.
Kilo2020
March 31, 2020

In reply to by DonBarbara Koc…

I'm on SSI and owe child support we do get a stimulus check but if u owe back child support they going to take it
susana45
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

People on social security receiving a check too
eavants4022
March 19, 2020

In reply to by JenC

My understanding is no veterans, elderly, and etc that doesnt file a tax return want get a check. So if your income is non taxable you want get. Even with the extra cost of self quarantine food cost up plus having to have food delivery cost
BobbyD
March 20, 2020

In reply to by JenC

My question exactly as I receive SSDI. I am so hoping and praying that it will be included at the beginning of next month on the next SSDI date. It will help immensely. but I can't seem to find an answer to that anywhere on the internet. If anybody seems to know any information please don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you
toeknee B
March 26, 2020

In reply to by BobbyD

New York Times says ssi/disability will receive a check/or direct deposit payment. But I can find nothing on gov websites.
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