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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 Jason

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

Andrewp907
March 19, 2020
Ditto on what other people have written below. I've not been to this site before, I followed a cnbc link, but it doesn't feel like a government site. The executive who wrote this message cares about regular people and spoke in easy-to-understand language. I hope to see more of this across levels of government. This is what wins back people's trust.
Melissa
March 19, 2020
I think people on disability will ,but people like me who gets less than 1000 a month who is on ssi.. wont, but it's ok I've learned to survive, I'm just glad some will get it.. we all struggle
SNOOPY#1
March 19, 2020
EVERYONE should get the same amount. Those on SSI/SSDI Worked/PAID to receive those benefits. Discrimination NOT to give $1000 to Every American as promised....
Micahsmom5
March 19, 2020
How will they know where to send them if you have recently moved?
Jay
March 19, 2020
I'm on workmen comp and ssdi. Will I also get that stimulus package fund just approved. Thanks jay . I was injury on the job.
D. Thomas
March 19, 2020
Does that mean that people who get social security will get a check also?
Denise7
March 19, 2020
So do we know if people on disability will receive this stimulus check also like everyone else?
Marie
March 19, 2020
Is the people that get an SSI check going to get a stimulus check to
Davis92266
March 19, 2020
I hope people that leave on social security disability will receive a little money from stimulus package
UnitedWEStand62
March 19, 2020
Yes well done! I would have added one thing however, many elderly people do not use computers still have landlines etc. They are the TARGETS. Younger family members should IMMEDIATELY advise their elders about the facts. My mother was about to give her SocSec# out over the phone when I walked in, fortunately. My Father, the Col. "OOH-RAH!" had only recently passed and within DAYS the predators struck. The Caller Criminal claimed to be with the Mil and as the Col had passed they needed her socsec to issue his Death Benefit. They prey like vultures on widows and orphans literally. SPEAK UP! Warn and advise your loved ones.
tessmacher
March 19, 2020
Will those on social security benefits receive this as well. I know many seniors who struggle and would welcome this help as well.
4m4nd4
March 19, 2020
Will the checks be coming in the mail? I just moved into a new house and I'm curious
Jen1979
March 19, 2020
What if i haven' t filed my taxes yet, will i get a stimulus check? And how would i get it?
Mallecke
March 19, 2020
If I did not file taxes last year due to their care of an I'll parent will I receive the 1000 check. As if February I no longer take care of him and have been looking for work
Blackpatrick63
March 19, 2020
Will these funds have yo be paid back.
Jason
March 19, 2020
I was just wondering. If a person lives with other people and is awaiting disability, will they receive a stimulus check? And would they have to have a bank account?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Jason

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

luv2laugh
March 19, 2020
Are we going to be expected to pay this back when we are through the pandemic?
Jayjay
March 19, 2020
Will people on ssi be included in this package and get a check also?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Jayjay

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

Mes388
March 19, 2020
I'm on disability get a check
Vigilant
March 19, 2020
I see a lot of concerned citizens asking some good questions in the comments, but no answers to these questions. Why would there be a place for comments if people can not get questions answered?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Vigilant

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

Franz
March 19, 2020
Hey. Will i need to update my drivers liscense for this? I recently moved back home and updated my SSID and what not
RFisher
March 19, 2020
I heard that people who don't file taxes would not get the $1000 dollars. I am over 65 and disabled and I have not filed taxes for years. The government never stated that SSDI or SS persons should file taxes. I think that they would have come after me by now.
bperry195669
March 19, 2020
I have in IRS Lein om me for the back taxes that I owe. I only get $814.00 dollars a month from Social Security... Will I still get a stimulus check from the government????
susan
March 19, 2020
first all.. thank you for the scammer info...& second there are a lot of people asking if those on ssi and etc will get a check but i saw no reply can someone answer these questions please. thank you
Barb B.
March 19, 2020
I am so very thankful for this. I am on a fixed income and any amount would be a blessing. Keep up the good work and God Bless You All.
Marchjo
March 19, 2020
When the government did this in 2008, people who owed taxes did not receive a check. Is that what is going to happen this time around?
Rose marie str…
March 19, 2020
Will ever one receive a check and if you are not getting food stamps will everyone receive. Them
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Rose marie str…

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

Dark15
March 19, 2020
Will people on ssi receive the stimulous check
BeBe
March 19, 2020
Will back student loan take this money?
Don't lanierus…
March 19, 2020
People on social Security should get the 1000 dollar cause they are on a limited base of income they pay there bills and have hard time paying for other things like house hole things
Singlemotherof4
March 22, 2020

In reply to by Don't lanierus…

I by no means am saying u shouldn’t get a check but fact is u live off that same amount monthly. Other people like myself are out of work because of businesses closing down. And no longer have an income.
biscuitmaker
March 19, 2020
If I didnt file taxes last year will i be eligible for a check? How is this going to work?
Abutler
March 19, 2020
I have been on Ticket to work program while re-training for a job I can do while keeping up with my health issues. Will I be eligible for the monthly check or if that stop my job during this virus? I depend in the income for bills and school expenses.
Maggiemea09
March 19, 2020
Does the ppl drawing SSI get checks to it low income and they have little to leave on and pay the bill plus med.at the drug store . My husband runs alot to dr and in really bad sick play help ppl drawing SSI to
Help pleaseeee
March 19, 2020
What about the people who have been without a job and has been looking for jobs and we can’t get a job ? How are we going to survive this if we have no money for anything ? I can’t get a job due to the Coronavirus... how will I pay for my bills ? I’m now going into debt because of this ..
Lisa
March 19, 2020
My mailing address is the only address that I have which is a p.o. box address. I am wondering if I still could get the check sent to my p.o.box? I have been renting a room in a house and they got the form to fill out for their checks and will not apply for mine because I have a different address. please let me know how I can get mine. Thank you in advance. Lisa
J. T. P
March 19, 2020
Will people who receive ssi check get a check as well? I understand that tax payers could be receiving it but what about people on ssi whos check is gone after paying rent and count on little side jobs they may have..(such as cutting grass..or small home improvement jobs..ext...) to get everything else they need to make it through the month but can no longer do so...will we receive any help?
ROBOT
March 19, 2020
Do non-taxpayers on SSI, SSA and Vet's disability qualify for stimulus checks? How do we sign up? Is it automatic if you're "in the system"? I heard there were stimulus checks a few years ago, but I never received one.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by ROBOT

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

AnnM
March 19, 2020
Yes I agree, the tone and humanity of this government information page is soothing.
Don't use your…
March 19, 2020
What’s if you carry a child on your taxes for college and they don’t work can you get money for them
jeff
March 19, 2020
I receive disability benefits would I be able to receive the stimulus check
Walt....retire…
March 19, 2020
Its a bit premature but congressmen are saying people earning up to $75k or $90k per year should be getting checks. I hope people who are getting Direct Deposit will be paid that way.
Rockangel63
March 19, 2020
I'm on disability and was wondering if we are getting the stimulus payment
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