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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.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

TieTie
March 26, 2020

In reply to by K_Joelsen326

I am pretty sure you will, the idea of this stimulus is to give people money so they spend them and help the economy.
Dee
March 26, 2020

In reply to by K_Joelsen326

I'm single mom with two girls in school, our only income is child support. Will I get the check?
Deedee
March 26, 2020

In reply to by K_Joelsen326

I'm a single mom with two girls in school, my only income is child support. Will I get the child support????
geno73cash
March 22, 2020
Will I be getting a stimulous check. The reason I ask is because I filed a disability claim the end of 2016 and I'm in appeal status waiting for decision, so therefore I didn't file a tax return in 2018. I was collecting temporary cash assistance from Social Security while waiting for decision on my claim.
W a mayer
March 22, 2020
Ok thiscompletely wrong. I'm onssdi me and there who are on SSI and SSDI deserve to know if we qualify for the stimulus check. All we are getting s it's still inthee works and you don't know who's getting the money. This is very stressful and just plain rediculous
Keeping 100%
March 25, 2020

In reply to by W a mayer

I’m wondering as well I’m on Temporary SSDI because of work, will we be offered the same as the unemployed people??? Please help
TieTie
March 26, 2020

In reply to by W a mayer

ALL adult citizens should get this as far as I know, if you have direct deposit of your SSD it will be deposited.
Jennifer
March 26, 2020

In reply to by W a mayer

Because the bill is not passed yet. The FTC will not know anything because as of right now, there are no checks. If the House passes the bill and then if the president signs, THEN they will know more.
Nathan Hale
March 22, 2020
Social Security is my only income source. My annual income is less than $10K. Thus I don't file income tax. My property taxes alone are almost $4000 per year. Will people like me receive this relief money?
Heather
March 22, 2020
Where do we get the info to see if we get a check
RubyDon't use …
March 30, 2020

In reply to by Heather

If I moved and have not filed yet and receive social sec. and ssd and I don’t do direct deposit. Where would check go to ? State and dr licensing and addresses were change with them. State knows I moved and have correct address. Where would check go to?
Encrypto
March 22, 2020
Cool msg guys... Down to earth people. Stay safe guys.
ayaywaller2010
March 24, 2020
When will the checks be release?
FTC Staff
March 24, 2020

In reply to by ayaywaller2010

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

kab13
March 22, 2020
But what if people have moved or changed bank accounts ?
bratbaby4lyfe
March 22, 2020
Will people who have applied recently for unemployment collect this?
rtrott
March 22, 2020
So if me and my husband, filed together for the 2018 year, are No Longer Together then what? Also I have moved.
gelfling
March 25, 2020

In reply to by rtrott

Yes I need help too. My husband and I have lived separately for 7 months. I'm taking care of our adult disabled son. I'm afraid he'll take my share and our sons.
My question too..
March 26, 2020

In reply to by rtrott

Please if you found the answer.. reply.
Separated legally
March 26, 2020

In reply to by rtrott

How do I receive my stimulus check I am legally separated and my husband and I filled jointly in 2018 I have moved what do I do I have a new address
Shelly2020
April 03, 2020

In reply to by Separated legally

Did you get response on this as I am in the same boat?
by-baker
March 26, 2020

In reply to by rtrott

Did you get an answer? I’m in the same situation.
Sharonp3
March 22, 2020
Will people on Social Security be getting a stimulus check?
FTC Staff
March 23, 2020

In reply to by Sharonp3

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

Theresa G
March 22, 2020
My fiance is 100% disabled veteran will he be able to receive a stimulus check?f
snbrowns
March 22, 2020
Do we have to fill out a form to receive a check due to The Government sending us all checks due to the coronovirus?
Mariac901
March 22, 2020
Even in towns like Broken arrow Oklahoma it is next to impossible to find toilet paper bread ect. I am from New York originally and my family and friends are really struggling with this event and everyone really needs to listen to what the big cities are telling you and the President this really is a national emergency please stay home and stop hoarding things also! They are not closing things down for the hell of it they are really trying to protect our citizens of this country!
foxyladyteresa
April 10, 2020
The Coronavirse has taken a toll on the people. But this will pass also.
foxyladyteresa
April 10, 2020
Will I get a check too?
Jaavp123
March 22, 2020
How do we ensure the government has the correct bank account to issue the stimulus money to via direct deposit? My bank account has changed since I received my 2018 refund
Don't your e-…
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Jaavp123

making sure address is correct
bn83
March 26, 2020

In reply to by Jaavp123

I'm in the same position, my bank account has changed - did you get an answer?
JWSeo
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Jaavp123

That is what I am trying to figure out as well! I have a new bank account since filing last year!
Jennifer
March 27, 2020

In reply to by Jaavp123

Same boat here. Did you get a response?
nonimportant23
March 22, 2020
I owe child support. Half my paycheck goes to child support. My hundred dollar tax refund was taken for child support. Will I get my stimulus check. I was laid off from my job and I need it. It wouldn't be fair to give my stimulus money to someone who will be getting one also.
Cincinnati
March 25, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

I am in the same situation and I can't get a straight answer :(
ScottB
March 25, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

I'm in the same boat. I owe child support, minimal work at this point and not sure if I will be let go, and my ex gets my tax refund. Will the state intercept this money and send it to my ex, knowing she is also getting the stimulus. I need this stimulus money if it actually happens to support my wife and 2 children during this difficult time. Thank you
john
March 25, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

I been reading they may not let them take checks for back child support or owing IRS money. I’m in the same boat. If they had any common sense they wouldn’t allow that to happen. Custodial parent already getting the check too along with $500 per kid, along with child support payments , along with child tax credit every year, along with getting to keep the whole check they work for. I mean if you didn’t get it, that would just be wrong altogether!
Mason1
March 26, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

I was wondering the same thing for back child support and In all past time they have issued stimulus checks child support takes it . Also would be taken for owed taxes and un paid student loans. Witch I believe is unfair for people who pay taxes and pay child support monthly and dont get any of their tax returns. And now when people really need this money to help in this sad time . The money will be taken from u . Makes no since.
Beittbratt1
March 29, 2020

In reply to by Don't your e-…

Will I receive a stimulus check if my new husband owes child support ?
Ronny
March 27, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

I'm wondering the same thing if there going to take mine for support and I'm a single dad with 2 kids and I'm behind on my 3d kid because they went back 10 years and now I'm worried there going to take mine plus my 2 other kids I support this is crazy
aztraveler
March 28, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

according to what i read only people who owe child support wont get a check
-lossie13
March 29, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

i can feel were u are coming from i did my 2019 taxes and it was taken from me now im not working and i need this stimulis money ive been paying back child support out of my check every week i dont think its fair to take this stimulus check.
Gina46
March 29, 2020

In reply to by nonimportant23

This is crazy i owe back child support,but im also suppose to be receiving child support which i don't get and I'm not working which i need that check also it's not fair i still have a daughter to support,they don't know people situations everyone should get one no matter what!!!!
rashid
March 22, 2020
do the cab driver (uber) in new york get checks also as of lock out the app driver arent earning enough now get coronavirus and they have a family like uner 5 toddler 55+ mother and pregnant woman at home