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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.

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  • 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.

Pmcbath73
March 20, 2020
Hey just like everybody want to know or we getting it a check for the disability please let us know so I know cuz we really need help we don't make enough on disability we struggle just like everybody else and we just want to pay our bills and making through this until this is over thank you hope I'll talk to you soon
e your e-mail …
April 25, 2020

In reply to by Pmcbath73

Why can"t I get an answer about felons getting a check
Retiree
March 20, 2020
Will people on social security receive a check from the government when all are sent? (Stimulus) Ones that didn't have to file tax returns.
Don't use your…
March 20, 2020
I receive SSDI but also work pt at a seasonal job. My job is suppose to start again April 16 th but because it’s a large venue I’m certain we won’t. I’m wondering if I would get a stimulus check. I can’t live on SS alone so I have to work no matter how much pain I’m in.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Don't use your…

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

 

Susanmac
March 20, 2020
Asking for a friend: Do the fully employed, tax paying, social security card carrying, non citizens qualify for this corona stimulus payment? I sure hope so because they are contributing members by paying their taxes.
Unknowinglady
March 20, 2020
What is you are on ssi/ssd but havent filed taxes? Do we still get a check?
janiejfc
March 20, 2020
Our financial status is completely different from our last tax return in 2018 and even if we had already filed 2019. I lost my job in March of 2019, have no more unemployment benefits and have depleted my 401K. We have a single check coming in, my spouses's, and unfortunately I was the major bread winner. How can we get this information to the government so that we can receive the proper stimulus package based on our income which is extremely low?
I need help too
March 20, 2020
My family is below the poverty level. We do not file. Will families like mine be getting help as well? Concerned this is only for those who make enough to file taxes.
jrb
March 20, 2020
Where are the answers to all these questions? Im thinking it will be for everyone regardless if we work now or draw disability. We have worked. This affects our lives too. We are American. So im hoping for the best but not expecting anything.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by jrb

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

gummyd7
March 20, 2020
But still the question was never answered if you are on social security or Social Security Disability widow's benefits will the government be helping you with an extra check
CPotter
March 20, 2020
Will people on Social Security or Disability receive a stimulus check?
Mtree
March 31, 2020

In reply to by CPotter

Will people on SS who don’t make enough to file taxes recurve a stimulus check
missrubyred
March 20, 2020
Would retirees be included in the stimulus checks?
Tommy Z
March 20, 2020
Will people on SSI and retirement receive the stimulate check?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Tommy Z

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

Non dependent …
March 20, 2020
Do you have to be a citizen to get this check? My family and I have worked full time jobs for many years, have our social security cards and have always paid our taxes. We contribute to this society by doing so. This has affected our lives like his has everyone else’s and as our jobs are requiring us to use our PTO while they are decreasing work hours it will become very difficult to pay the rent. Thank you for opening this forum for all to use.
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Non dependent …

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

Get you forms
March 20, 2020
Do you need to complete a form?
Dewkissedu
March 20, 2020
I'd like to know why those on SSI, disabled and retired are not getting the 2020 stimulus checks? I read a person had to make at least $3000 a year and that SSI wasn't a qualifying income. Why not we are American and adults. Seems only those with money are getting the checks while those in poverty level stay there. How often are there breaks for the low income Americans? We have bills and need to eat and take care of ourselves just like everyone else in America. I remember getting a stimulus check in 2008 it was either $250-$300 or it was $600 if you had a child or two at home while I was getting SSI
Mistermole
March 20, 2020
Will SSD persons get a stimulus check? And I filed a 2018 tax return but haven't got my 2019 return done yet due to lack of funds
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Mistermole

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

FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Mistermole

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

Dave L
March 20, 2020
*** SSDI recipients SHOULD get a check too !!!
Schotzibella
March 20, 2020
SSDI recipients had better be receiving a stimulus check too. Delivery charges are expensive. Extra medication is expensive. Do the right thing !!!
Refrus
March 20, 2020
* SSDI deserve stimulus too. Everything is more expensive now. From groceries to medications. This would not be fair.
cboldy
March 20, 2020
I haven't done taxes in a couple years I couldn't afford it . I was getting them done this month for free now I have to too them online would I still be able to get a check for me my wife and 10 year old daughter
David
March 20, 2020
Please give SSDI people stimulus too!
Leolion75
March 20, 2020
I retired Did not. Make enough money to have retirement , I am on social I am getting widowers benefit. I don’t pay Texas now b cuz I am not getting enough but if they send out the checks will I b included in the money
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Leolion75

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

Nakeejohnson
March 20, 2020
How do i apply for my stimulus
Anyone's
March 20, 2020
If you filed taxes in 2018 they will send you a check..
Mother
March 20, 2020
Im the payee for my child that gets a ssi will she get a stimulus check
Zee
March 20, 2020
Is this check only for the citizenship holder or for who has the green card too??
eddy
March 20, 2020
Can u get a check if u are under 18 but have did ur taxes last and this year I am only 16 but live by myself and my job is currently not needing many workers due to how slow we are since the virus I need my income I am not supported by family I have to buy my own food clothes etc. I don’t even live with my parents anymore have not since I have been 14 what will I do?
Dbigmama1972on…
March 20, 2020
Wondering the same as many if we receive SSI or SS benifits do we also get a 2020 stemulis check..we dont work for reasons beyond our control an we struggle monthly wit wat we do receive so it would b nice to help those wit just SSI or SS to b able to live wit wats going on.prices are rising so the struggle will b even worse now..plz let me know if we to can get help wit the stimulus check
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Dbigmama1972on…

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 useDonny…
March 20, 2020
How will they know who to checks to? For example I made $150k in 2018, havent filed 2019 taxes yet and made $63000.
Mamabear
March 20, 2020
Will SSDI receive a stimulus check
John
March 20, 2020
If a person has lost a job prior to the COVID-19 for example, they lost the job the first of the year. Are they still eligible for the stimulus supported check?
John Bomar
March 20, 2020
So will people with disability be getting the thousand dollars too because we need it just as much as other people
Tammy Terry
March 20, 2020
Will people on SSI and disability receive a stimulus check
Bumpassdad
March 20, 2020
I’m on disability and my spouse and I receive social security. We do not file taxes, we do not make enough money. Will we get the stimulus payout our president is speaking of and will it come through with our social security checks as we do not file taxes?
FTC Staff
March 20, 2020

In reply to by Bumpassdad

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

thomasina67
March 20, 2020
There are a lot of disabled veterans that work and are homeless or disabled and homeless. These are by far among the Americans that should get these stimulus checks. I hope for them it is included in their disability deposit.
NateP
March 20, 2020
If the Treasury is going by Tax returns to send out the stimulus checks what about people who didnt file taxes for 2018? I was injured and couldn't work for 2 years 2017-2018 and didn't bother filing since I had no income or kids. An what about people who are fighting Disability and can't work they don't file taxes either and these are the people who need the money the most! The government better get this right and either make a website or have people go to a local government office and show there social security cards and birth certificate to sign up for it.
Batman
March 22, 2020

In reply to by NateP

I like your post you got the right idea and I don’t like the fact that I might not get one just because I don’t have to file taxes at poverty level to me we should be helped more.
Domenick Gallo
March 23, 2020

In reply to by NateP

I haven't worked for 20 years, am I eligible for a stimulus check
S williams
March 20, 2020
What about people on Social Security. This Viruse stuff has caused a big dent in our pockets to having to buy more expensive items than would normally have to but because all the cheaper products were gone .higher priced foods and Toilet essentials .Because we don't get paid until middle of month and people hoarding.Its been tough getting by on what we make only 30,000 a year especially when one has heart problems and Lung problems and takes 13 pills a day not to mention the other takes 8 a day.and we don't qualify for any help.will we also get a 1000$ each or not.
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