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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.

Tommy d
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Disability people's are at a great risk of getting infected with the virus
Jaybird69
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Tommy d

I'm currently unemployed and I have been for the past 2 years. I do enough just to get by and trust me, it sucks, but I do get by. Will I be eligible for these checks?
Jaçkie Boggs.
April 05, 2020

In reply to by Jaybird69

IAM unemployed in gov. Housing no check-in acct. Haven't filled taxes for years recently applied for ssi will an how they Kno where to send it. And if. Dire hard in Ohio.
Needs help bad
April 09, 2020

In reply to by Jaybird69

I don't work but get health care and food share from the state. Will I get a stimulus check?
Dani
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I’m on ssd will I receive a stimulus check ? Social security retirement disability Am I included
Sanci1965
April 10, 2020

In reply to by Dani

I'm on sswd and trying to find out about stimulas check. Please advise. It would save my life
Christine
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I was wondering the same thing, that's why I came to this website. If anyone knows the answer to silversister and I's question, please let us know. It was my understanding from what I heard on the news the past few days of them briefing us on it is that it's only for the tax payers, but I could be wrong.
joseph
March 21, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will people on Social Security disability who did not file in 2018 or 2019 still receive a check yes or no
pappy
April 15, 2020

In reply to by joseph

Will people on Social Security disability who did not file in 2018 or 2019 still receive a check yes or no
Jordan
April 20, 2020

In reply to by joseph

Will I get a stemulious check even if I am on food stamps
Don't usebever…
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Thanks alot i could use the extra money for a new bed and blinds for my windows thank's again
Phillip Rogers
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I want to know if the people on SSI and ssd will as well all food banks are closed no free food we could use that money as well
Pjd3
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will SSDI Benefit recipients be getting a stimulus check/deposit???
Kimberly
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

How much and will people get stimulas check and what if I am married and that is our only income
Madant
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

According to language in the current bill SSI and ssdi should be included. They have the greatest needs.
rosierobin#1on…
March 22, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will people on social Security disability get a stimulus check? rosierobin#1
Jenkins
March 23, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I sure hope American people on social security get 1,000 also, and people on ssicause we have it hard and need it too just as everyone else does.
Don't Alicewar…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will people on dissabity get a check that got kids
wendyjohn19
March 23, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I’ve been fighting for disability for three years since 2017 I worked before that very hard I had major back surgery will I get a stimulant package I was just wondering
Wemakeflab
April 03, 2020

In reply to by silversister

We thats on disability get the money to even thou we dont file taxes
Mz Teei
March 23, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I just wanted to know is people. Recive social security going to get a increase. $200.00 per month until 2021? Also will they receive a corona STIMULUS CHECK
Heather 1988
March 24, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I want to know will people get money that are on disability?
Jackie blankenship
March 25, 2020

In reply to by Heather 1988

Id LIKE to know if I'll GET a stimulus check
Evatviolette
March 24, 2020

In reply to by silversister

My only income is social security , I do not make enough to file taxes...will I get a stimulus check ?
asilverfox1234
April 03, 2020

In reply to by silversister

Will people on ss diability recieve 2020 stimulus check
Norman Willeke
March 24, 2020

In reply to by silversister

I get $753.00 a month from Ssi. Will I get the $1000 stimulus package?
Walkingdeadgirl
March 24, 2020

In reply to by silversister

No as far as i have read if you did not file taxes in 2019 you will not get a check..I read disabilty / ssi / nobody with an earned income will Not be included in the stimulous program.checks will be sent to each person to the address used when you filed 2018 taxes
bobber
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Walkingdeadgirl

You are WRONG. If one is disabled or did not file in 2019 due to low income, there is a way to get your check. Simply google "stimulus for those who did not file taxes in 2019". Dont believe anyone until you hear it from the Government.
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