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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.
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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.

Buddypet
April 13, 2020
I am on ss and get it direct deposit to direct express I don't have a account will I get the check to it
Devon
April 13, 2020
If you owe back childs support and plus you have a child at home will they take they 500 to.
Riapos
April 13, 2020
I recently filled out the non-filer form only to be denied the $500 dependent stimulus because my ex-husband fraudulently filled his taxes claiming our child. I have custody and our child hasn’t lived with him in over 10 years! What can I do? What repercussions will he have?
j.melot06
April 13, 2020
I get SSI, am I getting my stemulus check this week maybe????
LIBERTY
April 13, 2020
HOW WILL PEOPLE WHO FILED USED LIBERTY TAXES RECEIVE THEIR STIMULUS CHECK
Rickie
April 13, 2020
I've been hearing this and that I did my taxes with h r block had electronically filed had direct deposit on the h r block card direct deposit do I need to do anything else
Maryc
April 13, 2020
Wen do we get the stim check for ss
Kevin222
April 13, 2020
My mom is my rep payee I'm on SSI and can I track down if I receive a stimulus check
Amgeleyes1822
April 13, 2020
My wife and I are on disability and SSI. We get our benefits on a Direct Express card each month. We do not have a bank account. Will our stimulus money also go on our Direct Express Card? Or will we have to wait on a check? Thank you
RLW
April 13, 2020
I filed my taxes in 2018 adding my oldest daughter as a dependent. She has filed her taxes for 2019 as her own dependent. Is she eligible for the stimulus package since she filed in 2019 o her own?
Des
April 13, 2020
I receive SSI for my child why I still be able to receive the stimulus check and will it be on my card the government gave me and it's so what day would that be on
Sammers
April 13, 2020
Has everyone hear if I will receive my stimulus package on my direct Express card
art
April 13, 2020
I am on supplemental will I get money?i need it I’m homeless now.
nate
April 13, 2020
People who gets direct express card are they going to be getting their stilumet check on that card?
Amorales
April 13, 2020
I get SSS for 2 of my kids that the father passed away will I get a check or money on my SSS card. How does this work and who qualifies? I also didnt file 2019 taxes but I filed in 2018.
Dsingle parent…
April 13, 2020
Can u use ur child support card to have the stimulus check put on
Moriston05
April 13, 2020
My mother received a $2400 stimulus check because her and my step dad file taxes jointly. However, my step dad passed away Nov 2019. Was she still supposed to receive this much?
Cbreinig
April 13, 2020
I am currently on long term disability awaiting to hear if I qualify for SSI. Am I going to receive the extra $600?
maya
April 13, 2020
My 65 year old parents live with me as dependents and they are on snap. Will I or they receive the stimulus check. They are residents and not citizens.
Q32Ma5
April 13, 2020
What about People who worked for an actual company & filed in 2015/2016/2017 but have been doing other type of work like Babysitting? I babysat the last couple years. I have 5 kids. I can't babysit because their Moms employers shut down. Will ppl like me get any help? My house recently burnt down. We are living in a motel with no income and no resources that can help...
Tehran
April 13, 2020
I received $2400. 00 for stimulus package, but did not receive $500.00 for each of our two children. Please inquire.
FTC Staff
April 14, 2020

In reply to by Tehran

If you get Social Security, Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement benefits, and want to claim the $500 payment per child for your qualifying dependents under age 17, use the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" application to provide simple information so you can get your payment.

Raheem312
April 13, 2020
Do people on child support get a stimlus check
Jazzy J
April 13, 2020
When will Metabank Netspend Account Customers Receive The Stimulus Check??
Jrbuddy
April 13, 2020
I'm a 100%disabled veteran. Do we get the stimulus check also.?
quinton340
April 14, 2020
Is the check coming on direct card for payee and child
NininCLloyd
April 14, 2020
As everyone else is asking Will our Stimulas check automatically be direct deposited on our Direct Exoress card? And do we have to register it to the IRS or do they have that information already due to our benefits through our State? Thank you
Christina riegel
April 14, 2020
I filed my taxes for 2019 but I went to a tax agency where they put there direct deposit and then It wad closed how can I update my direct deposit info.
popekogordon8
April 14, 2020
I am on disability do I get a check if I don't take taxes anymore refund check
FTC Staff
April 14, 2020

In reply to by popekogordon8

People who get Social Security, Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Railroad Retirement benefits will automatically get payments from IRS.

Brent.Tanner
April 24, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

When will the $1200 start going on the dierect express cards
ccavuto
April 14, 2020
I am a grandma and I have full custody of my grandaughter she is living with me and she is on public assistance will I have to do any extra paperwork to get her 500
FTC Staff
April 14, 2020

In reply to by ccavuto

To  request a payment, and to claim the $500 payment per child for your qualifying dependents under age 17, use the  IRS "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" application to provide simple information so you can get your payment.

Bridgett Adams
April 14, 2020
Will the VA receive a stimulus check widow of the vet and if so will it come on the direct Express card
Q
April 14, 2020
My Fiance is on ssdi but i claimed her on my taxes will she still get the stimulus check
AC4Him
April 14, 2020
If my husband owes back child support will it effect me getting the stimulus check? We did file the injured spouse form with our tax return last year.
Badwifechoices
April 14, 2020
My wife and I separated in October of 2019. She moved out of our mutual home at this time and filed for divorce in early December of 2019. All divorce proceedings have been put on hold due to COVID-19. She filed her taxes as "Married Filing Separately" and is refusing to share her social security number with me so I can file my own tax return and secure my stimulus payment. I attempted to file as single, but my return was rejected since she used my information when filing her return. She has already stated that she plans to keep the entirety of my stimulus check if it is deposited in her (formerly our) bank account, as it is what was used when we filed jointly in 2018. We have no children and I am in no way financially obligated to her at this point. Do I have any options at this point since I can't file my taxes and we are still technically married?
Denise Ergle
April 14, 2020
How do you get a check If you didn’t file income taxes...
Dmac
April 14, 2020
If Im someone's payee for ssi and their direct express card is in my name, how does that affect my own stimulus check?
Jellybean
April 14, 2020
I receive social security disability I use a direct Express card to get my benefits when I call direct Express it says they do not have any information about stimulus checks why is that and how will I receive my stimulus check I live in Pennsylvania
BabbsofBronx
April 14, 2020
If I am on SSI An have a payee will I still be able to get a stimulus check?
Don't joyuse y…
April 14, 2020
Will my stimulus check be on my direct Xpress debit card
AC4Him
April 14, 2020
I found my own answer. They will be keeping the full amount of stimulus check even if your spouse owes back child support and you do not and you filed the injured spouse form. So you are out of luck getting any money!
Ashleesmith515
April 14, 2020
So what day will people on ssi get there money And will it come to the bank Or in cash or debit card
laurenmutters
April 14, 2020
Will stimulus checks be automatically deposited if social security recipient receives their social security by direct deposit on a Direct Express card?
Jk077165
April 14, 2020
So some payments have already started coming out when will people on Social Security start receiving their stimulus check
pinkpistol
April 14, 2020
im on disability i haven't find taxes for a while how do i sign up
Upset Social S…
April 14, 2020
I am currently on SSI and I do not file taxes as its my only source of income. I am really disqusted with the fact that since my boyfriend claimed me as a dependent but does not receive anything for me credit wise makes me unable to receive a stimulus check. However since we are not married he will get one and I will be left out as will others in a simular situation. I don't understand how this is fair. I am an adult (55) with medical issues and I suffered through this pandemic just as much as the next person but because I am not a child nor married and he claimed me without telling me until today I get nothing. Can someone tell me how this is right or even fair that people in my position gets left out? I feel as though that even if my name is on a piece of paper it automatically rules me out for assistance. Normally we as seniors, va's or others whom get claimed as an uncredited dependant always get passed up as if we don't matter.
Disgusted&disa…
May 04, 2020

In reply to by Upset Social S…

I too, am in the same situation. If I didnt live with my girlfriend, then I wouldn't have a place to live. I just hope whom ever made the decision for these guidelines, reads some of these post. The ones making these guidelines sneeze at $1200. They dont need it, but the disabled does. Regardless of their dependent situation!!! Cant someone help us get our part????
Nj40558
April 14, 2020
My Grandaughter does not work she receives child support, food stamps and Medicaid. She was on hud but she got off in Jan. Her boy friend and her are living together now. She has 3 little ones. She receives child support for oldest. She has full custody Her oldest was not claimed on taxes since she doesn’t file. Will she receive a stimulus check? If she does how would she receive?
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