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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.

Kathymiller2
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Rockangel63

What if I have changed bank accounts since I filed my 2018 taxes?
Lewey101
March 19, 2020
Will veterans on disability still receive a stimulus check?
Melindab.
March 19, 2020
I receive SSI disability and SSDI as well , and the majority of us on SSI don't have to file taxes, I hope Congress will think of that as well, I understand the the tax payers employee,s that are not working now because of this coronavirs need those checks, for there family,s but we have family,s too and bill,s that we can't catch up on as well...
Homeless53
March 19, 2020
I like to thank you ALL for everything your doing for this traumatic time. Since Sept 13th 2019 I have been homeless and traumatized and found out Im diabetic and now this. I am staying in my Apt that a friend rents to me. I don't make much for anything extra one being food. I have severe anxiety and on new meds for it. I'm doing everything you ask. I'll soon be 68 next month. Thank you from all my heart for your guidance and compassion.GOD BLESS US ALL.
Askme
March 19, 2020
I haven't filed my takes do i still qualify for a 1000 check i always wait to the last day
Bee
March 19, 2020
I work at a Retail Store.On 3/14 I decided to self isolate.Will I be eligible for Stimulus?
No money
March 19, 2020
Are Non working senior citizens qualified for the corona virus stimulus check
Ben
March 19, 2020
How do I obtain the funding? Is it just random?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Ben

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

John L Sheppard
March 19, 2020
You did not answer my question, will people on ssidi get a check also?
Shauntae 1224
March 19, 2020
Thanks for the Info, great to know someone cares.
ocmml2020
March 19, 2020
will 19-21 year olds get a check? if they pay taxes and are laid off from their jobs right now?
Felicia Grenier
March 19, 2020
I'm on SSI disability benefits and I don't know if I will be able to get a check or not but I don't even get enough to live on my own or anything else I still have to live with my ex husband and his family and it's not easy for me do so will they post it on the SSI disability benefits card soon
Zaya11
March 19, 2020
Will people on disability and or retired receive a stimulus economic relief check
Walt
March 19, 2020
I have had an increase in unavailable numbers pop up on our caller ID. I suspect that the scammers are already trying to make a little dough. Perhaps they should just wait for their stimulus check!
Tennessee Mimi
March 19, 2020
Thank you so much!
Woobie745
March 19, 2020
Donna L.(Woobie)- I am so impressed with this warning that's easy to understand especially during this Confusing and time of constant worry. Please keep it up and if possible, it would Be beneficial to the call of us if the person that wrote this would add there name so we can send letters of commendations. Really, Thanks for the information. Looking forward to clicking our glasses with a cheer that we finally beat this. Stay safe and Bless you and your loved ones. Xoxo...
Donna Benoit
March 19, 2020
Thank you for this warning and the show of concern and empathy! My question is are Seniors receiving this stimulus? We are struggling as well if not more and I have a disability as well!
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Donna Benoit

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

QueenD
March 19, 2020
How does the government know where to send the checks? I am renting a room from someone and I am not.registered.at this address as an occupant.
Angelbabe84502
March 19, 2020
If I'm a stay at home mom but my husband works and we file married filing jointly on taxes will we both get a relief check or just him? Any information would help because I cant find anything about it
Sandra Carter
March 19, 2020
I get a little more than $1000 social security direct deposit. I am 72 and retired. Will l get $1000 too. I am so struggling and shaking every day thinking about paying my bills. Thank you.
Mari Yo
March 19, 2020
Could any body,let us know,if people with disabilities, will get 1000.oo dollars, from the government.
Nino
March 19, 2020
Thank for posting this information. It sounds like a concerned human being posted it and in these times, it means the most!
chefcurt3
March 19, 2020
I haven’t filed taxes for couple years and moved several times but just got life settling end of February and this happened 2 weeks later how do I get my information on list to be recognized as us citizen in need of assistance check
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by chefcurt3

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

Scott
March 19, 2020
“Americans,” and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said this week that “we’re looking at sending checks to Americans immediately.” Because those on Social Security and disability are among the most economically vulnerable populations, it seems likely that Congress would act to ensure that they would be included in any emergency aid.”
Wezzie
March 19, 2020
Do Seniors quality for the stimulus check? I Collect Social Security
Christian hattaway
March 19, 2020
I am a floor installer from JACKSONVILLE, FLi lay hardwood glue downs and nail downs and laminate tile not working due to the coronavirus and i rent from some one, how will i make sure i get some of that money to help me get buy until i am able to work again?
suzancarr64@
March 20, 2020
Will people on ssid get a stimulus check or are we going to be left out. Were struggling to make ends meet due to stores running out of food and were just affected as the workers. We can't stay on our budget due to buying higher meats and can goods.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by suzancarr64@

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

DDfrmn29
March 19, 2020
Are seniors or people with disabilities getting a stimulus check
Bunny412
March 19, 2020
Will we people get $ 1,000 from if we get SSI. The government has forgotten about US Seniors. We don’t no ck. We should get food stamps extra on that. But we won’t us seniors to government would to kill us not help us.
yhill
March 19, 2020
I haven't filed in a couple of years because I have no income. I have not been able to find a full time job. I only work part time and my boss have my paid check sent directly into my checking account, which no taxes are even taken out. Will they still send me any kind of a relief check?
Twilight
March 19, 2020
GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOR THIS INFO!! THIS HEADS UP IS SO "AWESOME" THANC YA THANC YA THANC YA!! This To Shall Pass
curious
March 19, 2020
What about if you have a green card and you’re not yet a citizen but you do pay taxes will you still get the money?
Aden
March 19, 2020
Does the people who is permanent resident can get the money?
SandyB
March 19, 2020
Please someone let me know if people on disability will receive this check?
jgose2019
March 19, 2020
There is alot of misleading INFORMATION, on all who will receive a stimulus check ? Will the ssdi, SSI recipients receive a check ?
Lucynchris7201…
March 23, 2020

In reply to by jgose2019

I've been on dissability for 2 yrs. I live in a weekly stay motel. My rent is due every week. Will i get a check??? I don't even get foodstamps.
Concernedcomsu…
March 19, 2020
If you did not file a 2018 or 2019 tax return. Will you still qualify for the stimulus check?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Concernedcomsu…

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

Don't use your…
April 22, 2020

In reply to by Concernedcomsu…

I file yr 18 and 19 taxs when will I receive the check..I have direct deposit.
Jacs
March 19, 2020
This government subsidy is it for Seniors? Or are we out of luck? Nothing was mentioned.
chefcurt3
March 19, 2020
I haven’t filed taxes for couple years and moved several times but just got life settling end of February and this happened 2 weeks later how do I get my information on list to be recognized as us citizen in need of assistance check
Metalrulz1212
March 19, 2020
I dont make enough to pay taxes. And whatever I make back I dont claim. How will the government know how to send me a stimulus check. Because what I'm making now from recent layoff. Is a 100% less than what I made before. Starving in sc
Tim
March 19, 2020
Will people on Social Security get a stimulus check in the mail or direct deposit into their checking account ???
Glender.1
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Tim

When will Ssi people get a stimulant check in wi
FTC Staff
April 15, 2020

In reply to by Glender.1

People on SSI do not get checks automatically. You can go online and give the IRS basic information so you can get a payment.

Go to this page and click the blue button that says “Non-filer: Enter Payment Information Here” to start.

Gods child
March 19, 2020
I am also on disability, and i could use a little help, however, if I am entitled to any, I’d gladly let the government keep mine if it would put God back in our country. As United we Stand divided we fall
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