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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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Divorced12/19
April 07, 2020

In reply to by divorce2019

I also have the same situation, concern and question...has anyone heard an answer ?
Bc
March 21, 2020
Just imagine.....A disabled veteran lives on whatever meager funds received once each month, hence fixed income, won't qualify for "any" stimulus money because vets don't even make enough to file taxes...Now, you mean to tell me that disabled vets aren't effected by all this pandemic event???.. Disabled vets have to stay holed up at the house, buy all the the supplies and necessities that the people making up to " 75,000 dollars a year must purchase, get the full amount of the stimulus payment???? This also goes for SSA and SSI recipients must also endure..How can this even be imagined in the proposed package by our wonderful government to do this to ex military that sacrificed their lives during service ended up with a permanent disability for the rest if their lives, be excluded from them "Full" stimulus payment??? Who now believes the US Government truly cares about American Disabled Veterans.. As well as the elderly and seniors who have paid their taxes over a course of a lifetime.. Now the Govt. Uses a 1 year 2018 tax form????You have got to be kidding???
Corn1956
March 21, 2020
Are seniors on social security disability going to go get help
Robert D
March 21, 2020
We made to much in 2018 combined to qualify, but 2019 we retired and only live on SS. Are we out of luck on this? it said they will use 2018 income tax return. Will there be a hotline for things like this situation?
Msas2013
March 21, 2020
I am trying to get disability so I can not work right now. I filed taxes for 2019 i worked every year before this. I am 48 yrs old. Am i eligible for this check and how do i apply for it?
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Msas2013

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

Lorimae1975
March 21, 2020
Any news on the stimulus checks for disabled people
AZ480
March 21, 2020
WOW people why are you asking the same question over and over. read what they are saying they don't know yet and they keep saying that. I'm sure when they know the question they will post it. and if you think I don't care I do. I myself also gets SSA.
TSerfling
March 21, 2020
I am on SSDI and do not file tax returns as my income does not warrant it. Will I be getting a stimulus check?
question.cheque
March 21, 2020
Are permanent residents also receiving the cheque?
user13
March 21, 2020
Can you get this money if you’re on disability and government assistance
VFCarroll
March 21, 2020
I'm wondering, for those of us receiving child support payments, how can we be compensated when the parent who pays, is out of work?
Where is the w…
March 21, 2020
Where is the website to sign up for my stimulas Check???
ljc
March 21, 2020
I don’t expect anything. I keep looking up the same question. ARE PEOPLE ON SSI RECEIVING STIMULUS CHECKS AS WELL
sarfaith
March 21, 2020
Will we all get these two checks if we are on social security and disabled
ljh
March 21, 2020
Why are they not answering the questions!!
Don't use le w…
March 21, 2020
Are senior onsocialsecurity getting a stimlus ck
charli2
March 21, 2020
I'm a US citizen that was living abroad for a few years and I just moved back to the US in December, and started working in February 2020. I'm guessing this means I will not be getting a check since I do not have a 2018 or 2019 tax return? Would really help out this single mom of 2!
erickrobertson…
March 21, 2020
Yes Its wrong that it seems like our previous President and Gov forgot us ( the disabled) on previous stimulus checks and were the ones always having hardship . We are begging please dont forget us Mr. President and Gov. Love from Texas
Prayers for all
March 21, 2020
From everything I have read. People on ssi will NOT get the stimulus check. Only for people who filed a tax return with qualified income of $3000 +
arod1980
March 21, 2020
What if you owe back child support will you still get a check to pay you’re own bills ?
Cannondonald@y…
April 03, 2020

In reply to by arod1980

Will I get the stimulus check if I owe back child support
CY
March 21, 2020
WE THE PEOPLE ON SSDI NEED T GET A STIMULUS CHECK JUST AS EVERYONE ELSE. OUR MONEY HELPS BUILD THE ECONOMY JUST THE SAME. I'VE WORKED ALL MY LIFE FOR THE LITTLE BIT I DO GET AND DON'T QUALIFY FOR ANY HELP, BT THEY STILL TAKE MY MONEY AT STORES ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE'S!
Laura
March 21, 2020
How do we apply for the money
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Laura

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

Rose1988
March 21, 2020
Will people who are waiting to win their SSDI get a check? I saw post saying if you didnt file 2018 taxes get nothing. Meanwhile people who make good money, "the ones overloading their supplies" get rewarded? While the people who really are suffering dont get anything? Will the people who took their last bit of money to pick through the leftovers of the rich get the stimulas? So its all about people who perfectly capable of making it through this that are getting more than they deserve. SSI receipenants need this money to. Average receipiants make 700 a month! I havent found info on my situation or even a number to contact anyone for information.
Jefferson Becker
March 31, 2020

In reply to by Rose1988

Why aren't people on CA. GA.asistance awaiting SSIgetting any help .
Don't use yoJA…
March 21, 2020
We who receive Social Security or some form of disability have low incomes,. Therefore, we should be equally entitled to some stimulus money during this time. I remember when the Obama administration did the stimulus package we did receive money.
luke
March 21, 2020
We must demand all people on disability must receive a stimulus check , period! Now is not the time to discriminate against them on top of the measly amount they are expected to live on ! When we we have an answer to the question?
Houdini7989
March 21, 2020
I’m on SSDI, I make less then what is required to file taxes so I don’t, I have 2 children that reside with me. Will I still get this and will my children?
BamHarris40
March 21, 2020
What about people who are indigent and unable to find a job? Why cant and will they be able to receive a stimulus check?
Chickpea
March 21, 2020
My handiman lives out of his truck and doesn't earn enough to file federal taxes so he didn't file a 2018 tax return. How would he get his stimulus payment. He is a citizen.
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Chickpea

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

Give info 0102
March 21, 2020
Who do you get in touch with if I do not get a check. I didn’t get last time and still do not know why
mdoyle4430
March 21, 2020
Will people on social security get a stimulus check?
aln42
March 21, 2020
How will govt determine who has children? I have a new baby who has not yet been claimed on my income taxes and I’m worried that if there is an additional amount given to parents, he won’t be counted.
Cclinton810@gm…
March 21, 2020
I think eveybod should get that check even people who draws disabilities check or ssi that can't work should get the check to thatsee fair to all the Americans it ain't fair to people who have to wait broke all month to get a check I think eveybody should get that check not just some people
Eric The Prince
March 21, 2020
I just got out of prison 19 days ago do I still qualify for a stimulus check?
Vipergirls 35
March 21, 2020
I am currently on SSI and can't afford to pay my bills now why are we getting screwed out of $1,000? I have a child also she's 11 years old so I have to live on $803 a month for myself and my child doesn't that count as something? how is the economy going to go back up if they're only sending out checks to people that paid taxes last year? I pay taxes I pay house taxes I pay school taxes doesn't that count? I think President Trump should give the thousand dollars to everyone because we did work in our lifetime before getting on disability doesn't that count? President Trump I think you should read our comments because they're coming from the people that vote
Jeannie
March 21, 2020
People on disability, have a budget just like everyone else, and because of this virus we have to spend more,just like everyone else, so I don't see the government leaving us out, do you?
Wookietalir
March 21, 2020
Need to update information for kids getting stimulus payment. Custody was just transferred yesterday? Need to update my kids information to receive stimulus checks
Marcy Laster
March 21, 2020
What about retirees?
Tammy E Dunn
March 21, 2020
I'm on ssi which ain't much All of this extra stuff I had to buy I'm broke still 2 weeks before I get check.I have COPD and liver disease. I'm staying in live alone so I need that extra money.
Rocket
March 21, 2020
I have not filed income tax due to I only receive SS of 785 a month, so being said will many like me receive a stimuli's check? Thanks ahead of time in hopes you will respond. Grocery stores only have high end items, have to pay someone to shop, we too now have extra payouts.
Adrian Padovani
April 01, 2020

In reply to by Rocket

Probably . Your in the social security system already and your not making over 100k.
Mickeymouse101
March 21, 2020
Will we in the nursing home receive a check?
Ms. Hopeful
March 21, 2020
Thank you so much for all the updates very useful.
Donshortsassyu…
March 23, 2020
I signed up for ssi I have lung disease and currently working parttime at a medical clinic.If I was to get a stimulas check would ssa use that against me it would put me over the SGA?
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Donshortsassyu…

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

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