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We know there’s been a flood of information and updates about the government’s economic impact payments, or so-called stimulus checks, lately. But quickly and safely moving massive amounts of money into the hands of those who need it is a big job with a lot of moving parts.

We also know that the more you know about the process, the less likely you’re going to be tripped up by calls, text messages, or emails from scammers trying to steal your money or personal information.

Here’s what you need to know about the stimulus payments and how to avoid scams related to these payments.

Who will get money?

Adult U.S. residents that meet established income limits are eligible to receive money from the government. This includes:

Taxpayers – people who filed a federal tax return for 2018 or 2019.

Retirees – people who get Social Security, Railroad, or other retirement benefits.

Beneficiaries – people who get public benefits like SSDI, disability, or veterans’ benefits.

Non-filers – people who do not have to file a federal tax return, including people who made no income or made less than $12,200 (or $24,400 for married couples).

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, have a qualifying child, and didn’t file a return in 2018 or 2019, you have to take action by noon ET on Wednesday, April 22 to add the $500 per eligible child to your payment. See details from the IRS.

 

What to do

 

Most people don’t have to do anything to get their money because the IRS will use the same payment method – direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or paper check – used to send you your tax refund, Social Security, retirement, or other government benefits money. If the IRS doesn’t have your direct deposit information, you can go to the “Get My Payment” feature at irs.gov/coronavirus and let them know where to send your direct deposit.

If you don’t usually file a tax return, go to irs.gov/coronavirus to access the “Non-filer” portal and to figure out what, if anything, you have to do to claim your money.

To check on the status of your payment, you can now use the “Get My Payment” feature at irs.gov/coronavirus.

Avoiding Coronavirus stimulus payment scams

Scammers are using these stimulus payments to try to rip people off. They might try to get you to pay a fee to get your stimulus payment. Or they might try to convince you to give them your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number.

4 tips for avoiding a Coronavirus stimulus payment scam

  1. Only use irs.gov/coronavirus to submit information to the IRS – and never in response to a call, text, or email.
  2. The IRS won’t contact you by phone, email, text message, or social media with information about your stimulus payment, or to ask you for your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number. Anyone who does is a scammer phishing for your information.
  3. You don’t have to pay to get your stimulus money.
  4. The IRS won’t tell you to deposit your stimulus check then send them money back because they paid you more than they owed you. That’s a fake check scam.

Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

To keep up with the latest scams, sign up for the FTC's consumer alerts.

Watch these videos for more tips on how to avoid ecomonic impact payment scams:

FTC tips to avoid economic impact payment scams

(This post is part of the FTC's imposter scam series.)

Updated April 21, 2020 with new deadline for some benefit recipients.

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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.

louqt1
May 02, 2020
Hello , I was on the www.irs.gov website checking on information on my stimulus check and I’m not sure how it appeared but an information box became available to enter my information for direct deposit for my stimulus check . I was looking on “Get My Payment “ I had to pay in in 2018 and I have not filed 2019 so I was not sure if the irs has my banking info for direct deposit so I filled it out ... I felt it was safe because I was on the irs sight I it was safe ! I have been worried sick now for days that it was a scammer and I can not reach anyone to help me . I do not not if I need to change or freeze my checking account before I my next paycheck of direct deposit is entered into my account on 5/8/20 .. PLEASE HELP!!’ Thanks
Williepj
May 02, 2020
I haven’t filed a 2019 tax return because I’m not required to and I have lived at same address for last six years but when I try to log in to My Payment it has repeated give me an error message that the information you entered does not match our records. I have entered in all caps and included the four number zip code extension. I have tried every combination. In addition I looked my tax return transcripts for 2018 and the information I entered is same as the 2018 tax return.
Krizty1987!
May 03, 2020
Yes my husband has been wondering what has happened to his stimulus check. The get my payment app says that his money was deposited into his account on April 29th, 2020 and that if he doesnt see a payment posted to his account that he needs to contact his bank account and see if they have received his payment. So we checked the account information the irs has on file everything is correct but the bank is telling us there is no sign of any deposit to the account and there isnt anything they can do that we need to get a confirmation number for the check and call the bank back so they can track and sew where the payment is. So can someone please help me. With this issue as were depending on this stimulus thanks
Katieg
May 03, 2020
I’ve been waiting 2 weeks for a direct deposit date. It says I’m eligible but still no date still no check?
FeliciaPrivett
May 03, 2020
My payment status says to be deposited April 30th.. & it's may 2nd & nothing..???
whereismyrefund
May 03, 2020
the site says my refund will be deposited april 30 but still not in my account it says check with your bank and my bank says nothing pending and check FAQ and no answers about where else to check
BeeElBee
May 03, 2020
I'm helping friend file the non-filers form to get that evonomic stimulus payment, I keep getting directed to a 1040 form for 2019 instead of 2020. Why is it routing me there instead of the 2020 form if I didn't need to file taxes for 2018 or 2019? Also second question, why is it not asking for their bank account information for direct deposit on this 1040 form? I'm getting the rejected notification & not clear on how to straighten this for my friend to be able to receive their 2020 economic impact stimulus check.
Southerncountr…
May 03, 2020
I entered my info on the het my payment tool and it has come back with a deposit date of 4/30/2020 and I still haven't had funds deposited and its 5/3/2020 what's going on here? Any response would be helpful and of course you cant call them
Kristi83
May 04, 2020
My stimulus check was supposed to be direct deposited on April 30, 2020 and I still haven't received it!! What do I do??!!
Jonathan Rosario
May 04, 2020
I’m supposed to receive my stimulus on the 1st of May and I have not received anything yet. My sister was supposed to receive it May 1st too and she received hers a day earlier. I’m still waiting for my check and I don’t know where it could be, what if is in someone else’s mailbox ?
MyEverAfter3
May 04, 2020
I keep reading and this site never answers the question about the message "eligible and date will be provided" but it has an answer for everything else. I have had this same message since the first week the portal opened. I entered my info the same day as my family members who have all received their stimulus checks, yet I cannot even get a date. This is beyond frustrating, we deserve an answer.
FTC Staff
May 05, 2020

In reply to by MyEverAfter3

The IRS, not the FTC, manages the stimulus payments. Please check the IRS Get My Payment information for answers about the IRS system.

Mrs walker
May 04, 2020
I need to know if someone can use my address to get the stimulus ? will it affect me getting mine at the same address ? ..or shall I say who and how many people can use the same address if any or is it just one check for the whole entire house and if so the person who filed first will they be who gets the check ?
Jeff M
May 04, 2020
The get my payment app said my check would be deposited on 30 April but no money arrived in my account. I know the bank account info was right, as i checked it twice when i entered it in (I didnt file electronically so I had to enter it manually). Has this happened to anyone else?
XYZ
May 04, 2020
The site told me I'm scheduled to for my payment to go out by mail on the 24th of April, it's may 4th and I still haven't received anything.
Chris Sprouse
May 04, 2020
what if its says you qualify for payment but waiting on payment date? How long before checks and more DD will happen? I updated my banking information via website 2 weeks ago and still no stimulus check?
youareblessed6…
May 04, 2020
I got a call telling me that my stimulus check Would be deposited on my DirectExpress card my name is Gloria B. Martin
Aj10
May 04, 2020
I’ve seen hundreds of comments where people have received a date for deposit and it has passed that date and still haven’t received anything. Has anyone figured out why or what to do? The same thing happened to me it said 4/30 and had correct last 4 of my bank account but still haven’t received anything
Geezy
May 04, 2020
What can you do if someone steals your check from your mailbox?
don't think about it
May 05, 2020
IRS-Get my payment tool says, payment date April 29, but bank (VARO, mobile app/bank, aka The Bancorp Bank) Still says no funds have been sent. IRS not taking calls.. sooo... I guess I wait until the IRS letter arrives in the mail (says 15 days, from date of payment), that is supposedly-supposed to provide info for contact if I didn't receive payment, but if I don't receive a payment.. no letter xD going to find something else to keep my mind busy and forget I ever heard about an economic impact payment / stimulus... Prayers for all, stay healthy
sachaanais
May 15, 2020
I tried everything on the web with my information. Nothing works to see the status. I'm worried that someone stole my S.S again. Please help.
Still don't ha…
May 05, 2020
The Get my payment tool gives a date of April 30th. I put in my banking information correctly. I called them. No record of payment. I don't know who to contact or how.
NicoleM
May 05, 2020
Who can I contact if my stimulus check was stolen from my mail box sadly the irs page does not provide you with any form of contacting them
FTC Staff
May 15, 2020

In reply to by NicoleM

This FTC blog post explains what to do if you think an identity thief got your stimulus payment.

Report the stolen check and create an IRS affidavit at www.IdentityTheft.gov. Click "Get Started" on the first page. On the next page, click on the green bar that says " someone claimed an economic stimulus payment using my information."

Fill in what you know to create an identity theft report and IRS Identity Theft Affidavit. The system will create a list of steps for what you can do next.

Canoblaizer2300
May 05, 2020
I check get my payment and said that on april 30 they was schedule a deposit to my acount and i call the bank and no money send it to my bank yet. Any body have the same problem that can help me
Stressed in Texas
May 05, 2020
I’m still waiting on my stimulus check. The where’s my payment says it was direct deposited into my account on April 15 and I received a letter that it was deposited. I still haven’t received it. All the online information said that there would be a number to call in the letter, which there is but it’s an automated system that doesn’t allow me to ask any questions. This is very frustrating. I’m not sure what to do.
charwill709
May 08, 2020

In reply to by Stressed in Texas

Same for me but I havent recieved the letter yet. It's almost been a month.
still waiting
May 12, 2020

In reply to by Stressed in Texas

Same but we got the letter weeks ago also! And we have yet to get our check or any help finding it!
pullefa
May 05, 2020
I am getting this information and I know my Social Security is correct and birth day and address. Error The information you have entered does not match our records. Please try again.
Mystic
May 05, 2020
SO WHAT DO I DO, WHO DO I CALL, IS THERE ANY EMAIL ADDRESS I CAN CONTACT IF I FIND OUT MY STIMULUS CHECK HAS BEEN STOLEN AND CASHED OUT? I NEED ANSWERS I COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING LIKE THAT LISTED HERE BESIDES I THINK SOMEONE MENTION TO CALL IRS. I DONT LIKE THE RUN AROUND I PREFER TO HAVE A PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS TO CONTACT SOMEONE WHO CAN PROVIDE ME IN STEPS TO WHAT TO DO IF MY STIMULUS CHECK IS STOLEN AND CASHED. SOMEONE PLEASE ANSWER MY QUESTION?
GregF
May 05, 2020
I keep getting error code someone used my ssn. Now I have to file a fraudulent claim on paper via snail mail.. Will I still get my stimulus? How long does it take to correct the fraudulent claim? No one can claim me as I'm an adult with no parents or close family.
stanimira.kise…
May 05, 2020
I have a big problem. We filled in our annual fees with my husband, but in March we split up. I live separately. In North Carolina, one year goes on divorce. But now my ex-husband has registered and will receive the money at his address. He refused to give me my share. What to do? The site with my social security number says that the check was sent on May 4 ?? I have sent you a letter by email and more at the address. Please help!
BBJB
May 05, 2020
My 96 -year-old Father has lived at the same address for the past four years he has done his taxes with the same company now four years. We both do ours at the same location We both have the same address on file he pays taxes on a pension and Social Security Benefits. I received my check May 3 He has yet to receive his every time I try to check on it for him I get a message that states The information that you have entered does not match our records... That is absolutely false. I cannot get anyone to help
Foundlilsheep45
May 06, 2020
My X got my stimulus payment as well as my 2 children's payment added to his payment direct deposited in his account. He wasn't allow to claim me or my children on his return for 2019 but he did it anyways causing my return to get rejected. So he got a large refund and now my stimulus payment. I need my payment but
Deleon0253
May 06, 2020
Mine said my Payment would be Deposited on April 29th, 2020, and here it is May 6th, 2020 and still No Stimulus Payment. Why might that be?
arlene
May 06, 2020
i filed my 2018 2019 tax I collect ss I have direct deposit and when i go to get my check it tells me my ss number don't match
sammie
May 06, 2020
I got my stimulus check and I tried to cash it and it says that I cashed it 21 days ago they weren’t even made yet what do I do?????
foustrobbin34
May 06, 2020
How long does the money to post on direct express card.. I have a date of April 30 nothing pending or posted yet?
CWolf
May 06, 2020
They never seem to have trouble accessing my bank information when they take my taxes directly but for some reason..
Trn5342
May 06, 2020
It says that my stimulus check was mailed out on April 24th and I haven't received it yet how do I check and see if it's been cashed or deposited into someone's bank account
SD QUARANTINE
May 06, 2020
Under Refund Amount or Amount You Owed, in 2018 our return details Total Tax, Less: quarterly payments and credits, Plus: interest and penalties, resulting in an over payment. What amount do we enter? The Total Tax? The Total tax plus the interest? or the over payment?
RSbg
May 07, 2020
I am on SSDI, filed 2019 through turbotax.. i received a tax refund.. . fast forward stimulus.. check to get my payment.. said didn't have my bank information.. made no sense because I'm on SSDI and received a refund.. so I went ahead and fill it out anyway on April 15.. it updated immediately that I am eligible and a check will be deposited into my bank account.. I've checked every night and no change ..no check date..no check.. no explanation..
Moe ben
May 15, 2020
IRS sent my stimulus check out to old address where I’m not living there anymore. The check has been stolen. What i have to do ??
FTC Staff
May 15, 2020

In reply to by Moe ben

This FTC blog post explains what to do if you think an identity thief got your stimulus payment.

Report the stolen check and create an IRS affidavit at www.IdentityTheft.gov. Click "Get Started" on the first page. On the next page, click on the green bar that says " someone claimed an economic stimulus payment using my information."

Fill in what you know to create an identity theft report and IRS Identity Theft Affidavit. The system will create a list of steps for what you can do next.

clochridge
May 07, 2020
Mine is saying that i have the wrong pin .I have no idea what my pin is
amywyatt42
May 07, 2020
I filled out the non filler forms and it started saying it was rejected And I haven’t filed in years nor has anyone claimed me. But it said something about identity theft and at that time I didn’t think about it, but my daughter reminded me a couple years ago someone hacked my phone emails social media accounts. I don’t know what to do from here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Iren
May 07, 2020
can i receive a stimulus check if i remove myself from my husband account But got tax return I give his account
Someonefiledmytaxes
May 07, 2020
Someone filed taxes with my social and I am not receiving my stimulus. I have been waiting and waiting and I have never filed taxes in my life. Says duplicate social security already filed.
Lost and confused
May 07, 2020
So I filed my 2018 & 2019 taxes got direct deposit for my refund the IRS site says I'm to receive $1700 the track my payment site says that a check was mailed to my address in April 24 but it's May 8 and I still haven't received my paper check they said was mailed in April the thing is I lived at one address for 2018 taxes and a different one when I filed my 2019 taxes the address on my 2019 taxes is my correct address how long should u wait before I report my check lost or stolen just need answers I need that money to help pay bills as I'm disabled now and only receive money once a month plz help
Pjsm
May 07, 2020
My husband and I will receive on stimulus check soon. It will have both our names on it, but I don't have i.d lost my wallet with i.d in it, our California DMV is closed, and it won't let me get a replacement online. How can we cash it, we don't have a bank account. Please help.