You’ve probably heard the news by now – the government is sending out relief checks as part of the federal response to the Coronavirus. Scammers heard the same thing, and they’re hoping to cash in on yours.
The details of how this will all work are still coming together, but we do know a few things about how this will – and will not – work. For now, here are some things to know.
- You don’t need to do anything. As long as you filed taxes for 2018 and/or 2019, the federal government likely has the information it needs to send you your money. Social Security recipients and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return also do not need to do anything to receive their money. If you otherwise have not filed taxes recently, you may need to submit a simple tax return to get your check. (More on who’s eligible here.)
- Do not give anyone your personal information to “sign-up” for your relief check. There is nothing to sign up for. Anyone calling to ask for your personal information, like your Social Security number, PayPal account, or bank information is a scammer, plain and simple. Also be on the lookout for email phishing scams, where scammers pretend to be from the government and ask for your information as part of the “sign-up” process for the checks.
- To set up direct deposit of your check, communicate only with the IRS at irs.gov/coronavirus. And you only need to do this if you didn’t give the IRS your bank information on your 2018 or 2019 return. In the coming weeks, the IRS will be setting up an online form available through irs.gov/coronavirus. But nowhere else, and never in response to an email, text, or call.
- No one has early access to this money. Anyone that claims to is a scammer. The timeline for this process is not exact, but it looks like funds will start going out in the next few weeks. Scammers are using the lack of detail to try to trick people into giving their personal information and money.
To get official updates and more information, visit the IRS’s page on economic impact payments. And if you come across a scammer trying to take your check, we want to hear about it. Report it at ftc.gov/complaint.
Updated 4/2/20 with new information on filing taxes
199 Comments
In reply to Estupenda informacion,gracias by Jose (not verified)
In reply to If you don't provide direct by Brian (not verified)
Please go to the IRS page on economic impact payments for official updates and more information.
In reply to como puedo informarles mi #de by como puedo inf… (not verified)
In reply to no e recibido mi ayuda de by victor payero (not verified)
In reply to no e recibido mi ayuda de by victor payero (not verified)
In reply to No e resumido ninguna ayuda by Elvia Carolina… (not verified)
In reply to como puedo informarles mi #de by como puedo inf… (not verified)
In reply to como puedo informarles mi #de by como puedo inf… (not verified)
In reply to como puedo informarles mi #de by como puedo inf… (not verified)
In reply to If you don't provide direct by Brian (not verified)
In reply to What can I do if I changed by Harley1910 (not verified)
In reply to What can I do if I changed by Harley1910 (not verified)
In reply to What can I do if I changed by NikiaDashiell (not verified)
The IRS website ( irs.gov/coronavirus ) says Treasury plans to develop a web-based portal so people can give their banking information to the IRS online.
In reply to The IRS website ( irs.gov by FTC Staff
In reply to Can I change my bank account by Amanda (not verified)
Please check the IRS questions and answers at irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center.
In reply to The IRS website ( irs.gov by FTC Staff
In reply to I am on social security by Pms888 (not verified)
Please go to the IRS page on economic impact payments for official updates and more information.
In reply to Ayúdame by No use su dire… (not verified)
In reply to Necesito que me ayude con el by 8053145236 (not verified)
In reply to Nesesito la ayuda economica by No use su dire… (not verified)
In reply to Como puedo recibir el cheque by Yayitas (not verified)
In reply to No recibido ningún ayuda by Dgon452 (not verified)
In reply to Necesito saber si clacifico by Isequiel gonzalez (not verified)
In reply to Here's the rub with that, If by HUGH GAUTIER (not verified)
The IRS says that people who get Social Security and railroad retirees who are otherwise not required to file a tax return are eligible for a payment. They will not be required to file a tax return. Read more at the IRS website about economic impact payments.
In reply to Here's the rub with that, If by HUGH GAUTIER (not verified)
In reply to El dinero que recibí de mis by Lucy (not verified)
Te llegará el pago en forma de cheque si eres elegible.
In reply to I'm a SSdisabled American w by Wowmomflipped (not verified)
In reply to I'm a SSdisabled American w by Wowmomflipped (not verified)
In reply to I'm a SSdisabled American w by Wowmomflipped (not verified)
In reply to This article doesn't mention by Sue (not verified)
Please go to the IRS page on economic impact payments for official updates and more information.
In reply to Please go to the IRS page on by FTC Staff
In reply to This article doesn't mention by Sue (not verified)
In reply to This article doesn't mention by Sue (not verified)
Add new comment