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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 24, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

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

Charlierathbone
March 24, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Will I get a check im on SSI hopefully we all can
Repinski
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Charlierathbone

Will those on disability be receiving a stimulant check also
Timothy Eugene…
April 28, 2020

In reply to by Repinski

Everyone I know that draws disability got their kicks today but they still no word on mine I don't file taxes I wonder if that's what the delay is
franklin.leegeorgia
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Charlierathbone

I’ll people on social security get checks and do we have to fill out anything soecialW
Myerskm47
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Charlierathbone

Would I be eligible for check being on ssi and having to pay extra for food and my utilities are more
Llnickerson
March 25, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

I hope the disabled get a check. Ive had to buy all kinds of cleaning supplies, masks, gloves etc. It would be nice especially if they want our vote.
Don'yagzt use …
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Llnickerson

I'm on ssdi but, font expect a check. Your supplies do not add up to that much. Money needs to go to those who lost thier jobs
marleakajackso…
April 07, 2020

In reply to by Don'yagzt use …

Just sad very sad not every one lives like you some have kids to take care of some receive ssi and work another job and still can’t pay bills right now everyone is in need and if your not just pray for other and keep it moving
jaybr1978
March 25, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

But there’s no such thing as “ trusted news sites”
ssavoy38
April 14, 2020

In reply to by jaybr1978

Well my son was disability when 17 but when he turn 18 his SSI stop he is blind in one eye and he still in school sence SSI STOP HIS CHECK CAN HE STILL GET IT.
Chris
March 26, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

If I am signed up for auto payments from ssi will this process be used for the stimulus payment or is there some other way we need to sign up for autopayment
Juañitaburtona…
March 24, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

Will I receive a check for Will I receive a coroner virus check
Leolion75
April 02, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

Will retirees get a stimulus check I been retired for 10 years an I do not pay tax on it
robincriwle
May 02, 2020

In reply to by jcastle10

It’s unfair delendabs do t get check. We are poor and i have bills too
Eman
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

Will people's on disability get a check too
Carla Calhoun
March 24, 2020

In reply to by Eman

Yes I wants to know if people on disability and the homeless people will be getting a check to
JudyAgr61
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Carla Calhoun

The homeless are the people that need the money the most. Or people who have been out of work for a very long time. This stimulus check should be for everybody who needs it, just not the people who are laid off temporarily.
Rhunt
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Carla Calhoun

Will i receive a check from the government I am unemployed at this time?
Sparkie101
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Eman

Will people on disability get a check too. We have pretty hard on a low fixed income. And God bless you all in these tragically tested times.. I pray for us all. Ill wait on your answers...bye..
Connieoglesby1…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Eman

Iam on social security will I receive a stimulus check
Martha
April 01, 2020

In reply to by Connieoglesby1…

I recieve retirement social security,all my info. Is up o date,haven't been required to file taxes past three years,will i recieve the 1200 dollar stimulus.
Regina Hawk
April 16, 2020

In reply to by Fireball

When get my check I am on ss 67 the only income I have is 1009 from ss when will I get my 1200 check
Idalmamachado
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Fireball

I live in a shelter with my son are we homeless families going to get extra food stamps our children are home and we need more food to survive
Vivian Borsella
April 22, 2020

In reply to by Martha

I am retired and receive social security I do not pay taxes. I have direct deposit do I get a stimulus check and when
Vivie60
April 22, 2020

In reply to by Martha

I am retired and receive social security I do not pay taxes. I have direct deposit do I get a stimulus check and when
Elibella1
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

People that are on Social Security Disability do we get a stimulus check as well
katordog
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Elibella1

Will people on social security disability receive a check?
Starlet12
April 16, 2020

In reply to by katordog

My son receives SSD based on my work records. I recieved my check however my son has not received any stimulus check I am his payee n his SSD check goes directly into my checking account. I Was told thAt once u complete your 2019 income tax . I am divorced and have not completed my 2019 return does that mean I will not see a check for my son or will his fAther receive it?
Bubba
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Elibella1

Am on social security disability. Will I get a stimulus check
Bharrott
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Elibella1

I’m 45 yrs old, on SSI ANd a dependent on my parents tax return Will I get a stimulus check ?
meatman
April 21, 2020

In reply to by Bharrott

44 yr old social security have direct deposit but was a dependent thru parents tax return will i receive stimulus check i am disable
L. Hauge
April 22, 2020

In reply to by Bharrott

I am on ss I am 88yrs old I am listed on sons taxes as a dependent Will I get a check?
juniorg
April 24, 2020

In reply to by L. Hauge

i am listed on my grandsons taxes for 2018 i am 87 years old will i receive a stimulus check
Pamsplace
April 30, 2020

In reply to by Bharrott

45 yrs old on ssi dependent on moms taxes will i receive stimilus check
Lilmomma53
April 17, 2020

In reply to by Elibella1

People on SSID get a stimulus check also if just became a widow
Faustaroo
March 21, 2020

In reply to by Bigshow 12 …

I'm 56 yrs old, I've been on disability approximately three years, I currently get $857.00 a month and my grandson carries me as a dependent 2 years now. If coronavirus checks are given will I get one? Thanks in advance
Sweetness 55
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Faustaroo

I have been on disability for 2 year i would to know if I will get a stimulus check.
kbreske
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Sweetness 55

Do we have to file a tax return even if we haven’t in a while