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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.

Rileygirl57
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Gidget

This is a tax credit. On next yr taxes. If your on ssd or ssi ssa u will not have to pay back.
bray
March 21, 2020
So I filed in 2018 for taxes but never received them I lost my job due to this virus. I filed for 2019 and got my taxes back. Will that affect the amount I get? I also have a son and am a single father. I seen that u needed to file in 2018 to get the 1200 or whatever the amount is but idk if it went through cause I never received money back.
Annienicole
March 21, 2020
If your 18 but live in the same household as your parents, do you still get the 1000 check?
kenz22
March 21, 2020
I did not file a 2018 tax return. I am not married but I live with my partner and our 2 young children. I’m running out of room on my credit card. I don’t know what to do! Please, will I be able to receive a relief check? I desperately need this to help but food and supplies for our kids.
Meha1970
March 21, 2020
Since they're supposed to pay each person by tax returns,i make $9000 yr on SSI. Am i not eligible for a check? If not..that is truly unfair to leave such a big part of the voting population out. It will hurt not only people that are disabled but also votes for Republicans.
Meha1970
March 21, 2020
I make $8,000 per hear on ssi disability. I hope you won't leave people out that are in this category. I am getting over kidney cancer and sure could use it. I also don't understand why my check would only be $600 since i don't file a tax return. I guess I'm only half a American. Just remember what you do,it can help or hurt the Nov election. Don't forget its a huge population of people that are like me.
Dlopayne1981
March 21, 2020
How will the government know where to send the checks if they ever pass the bill to give them out??
Dee Gross
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Dlopayne1981

I make 8000 a year I'm I have our United healthcare and my other way of making money as I've been disabled because of my feet and my needs osteoporosis will I get a stimulus check
Just me
March 21, 2020
Glad to read down to earth wording. Keep up the plain information. Great job!
LadyL
March 21, 2020
You must fill out a 2020 census form 1st in order to qualify?
DG
March 21, 2020
Will the disabled get a stimulus check?
mrb13
March 21, 2020
Will people who currenlty owe back taxes recieve a check?
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by mrb13

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

mrb13
March 21, 2020
Will taxpayers currently residing outside the US (non-military and retired) receive a check?
Bongo
March 21, 2020
I am a disabled veteran. I hope our government is not going to treat us any less than any other taxpayer just because I am not able to work. I haven’t had to pay taxes since I have been on disability but I made much more when I was able to work and ALWAYS paid my taxes . I was injured serving our great Nation .... I hope now our Nation is not going to forget us. Prices have gone up here and makes it much harder on me. I have to live with chronic pain from my injury....I was a volunteer.
Crowe88
March 21, 2020
If they actually send the stimulus money how would u get it without a bank account
FunSize
March 21, 2020
OK and what about the disabled people are they going to be getting money as well?? as all the tax people and the workers. Also Social Security income should be in counted in getting money as well not just people that worked.
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by FunSize

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

andy
March 21, 2020
while i know there is no perfect answer for everyone... Will people that are still getting paid by employers, working at home or other jobs get a check? Because that would mean while they are being inconvenienced by the virus they would be getting paid 2x. From there employer and from the stimulus check, that would be a complete shame for people who have small businesses or that have been mandated to shut down, waitresses, restaurants, retail workers, ect. None of these people are getting any income or money right now, they deserve more, and people still getting paid from their employers are still living on the same money they always have and then getting checks? Seams really unfair to not give to the businesses that keep communities going. Isn’t that how stimulus is supposed to work? Getting people to put money back to the community? That will not happen for some if they have to close their business and people still getting paid get more money?? if that’s the case hopefully the people getting extra will really give back to the communities and businesses that need the money the most, if they survive living through no money right now :/
Rebel82
March 21, 2020
I'm on disability. Will I get a stimulus check?
anehus1996
April 03, 2020
Will people on SSI and/or SSDI get a stimulus check from the government during this pandemic to help them during this time of hardship.
robhester@
March 23, 2020
Why wont you answer our questions about people being on disability. Getting a stimulus check. Just say yes or no or most likely.
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by robhester@

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

paulasbabo
March 21, 2020
Will people on social security/disability get a stimulus check we are every bit in need as the working-class people.
mema
March 21, 2020
How will I qualify for stimulus I payed income tax but did not file taxes yet for 2018 and 2019
manish
March 21, 2020
I am a tax paying H1B visa holder. Do I get this assistance too?
Christina lopez
March 21, 2020
I really need this check I'm disabled ther is barely food in our local walmart and I'm doing chemo fighting breast cancer hopefully the government does something cuz I dont even drive and live in Aurora mo
27Goodingdrive
March 21, 2020
do you still get check even if you did not file your taxes in two years
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by 27Goodingdrive

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

Divorced Mom
April 10, 2020

In reply to by 27Goodingdrive

Been divorced 4 years plus have not filed taxes for last 2 years as I am only recieving child support and alimony under 1000.00 a month How or do I qualify for this stimulus check?
France
March 21, 2020
Please confirm that Seniors who can hardly make ends meet will receive assistance! We are vulnerable in every way!!! Please ease our stress... France
Front-line worker
March 21, 2020
How will check be sent if my address changed and and I did not file taxes on-line?
Justices and A…
April 12, 2020

In reply to by Front-line worker

the IRS will use your past taxes. whether on line or paper by mail in.
2018 or 2019?
March 21, 2020
If they use 2018 tax data, I get no cash help since I have since retired and have no significant income and pay rent. Can they use 2019 tax data for me instead since it is more accurate?
norma
March 21, 2020
Will people on social security disability get a stimulus check ?
unemployed
March 21, 2020
I lost my job due to bars and restaurants closer, I have filed for benefits. but what people dont understand a stimulus check is just that its to stimulate money to be spent. those of us with little to lower incomes will get less because they know the money will go towards bills and not increase spending in businesses. In other words those of us hurting financially will not get the help that we need, but those that have a greater income many are not hurting with loss of wages, will get a bigger check, hence a greater spending money. think about this when you vote, those of you that receive ssi/ssdi may not even get a check. It is said that many household that have less than $40,000 (19.23$ AN HOUR PAY) income many not even see a check. I am a server my pay is 2.13 an hour i live on tips, i have been without tips for a week now... my yearly income is less that 40,000... Trump is out to help the wealthy, not the little people
Gail
March 21, 2020
I have so remember on social security and disability remember this if we are not included when we go vote
gotcha
March 21, 2020
If you have retired , 70 years old and draw your SS but have yo draw from your retirement fund to supplement your in come and since the stock market is falling so drastically, will we qualify for stimulus?
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by gotcha

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

my5kids_nepat
April 20, 2020
My husband and I both receive disability thru SSI and we're wondering if we will be receiving a COVID stimulus check? We don't know who to ask.
TammySue
March 21, 2020
What if my bank info has changed?
STEENS
March 30, 2020

In reply to by TammySue

MINE CHANGED TOO, IVE BEEN TRYING EVERY WEBSITE POSSIBLE TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO
Dusty in Mississippi
March 21, 2020
I have read everything available about these potential government stimulus checks. To my understanding recipients of SSI disability benefits will be excluded. SSI is not earned nor taxable income and as such makes an individual ineligible for for this refund, stimulus check ie.. whatever they are calling it . It's may have gone before the Republicans and been altered or rewritten from the first proposal, I don't know, but as a fact it is still up in the air. I am doubtful, however that the good graces and the magnanimous show of support and understanding will shower upon those who, unfortunately, are unable to work and pay taxes, which is where the money would have originated. I do believe.
Donna
March 21, 2020
Will the ones on ssi get a check
Don't barbara3…
March 21, 2020
Does people get a check to for that new virus that's on ssi
Bkspahr
March 21, 2020
My husband and I have been seperated over a year and are still trying to get a divorce and decide custody. We share our child every other week, evenly. We have not lived together in 16 months and I work for Doordash which is considered self employment. Will I receive the full check and how can I be assured it won't be sent to my husband's bank account since I had to change mine 26 months ago and have not yet filed taxes for 2019? Who can I contact to send to my address instead?
divorce2019
April 04, 2020

In reply to by Bkspahr

Very good question..currently going through same situation. Have you rcvd an answer for this?
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