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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.

Rcordle
May 01, 2020
Can I still get a check if I haven't filed taxes in a few years
Anjel hyte
May 01, 2020
I've been a recipient of SSD since 2004. I have a bank account set for direct deposit of my benefits and have since 2015. I was wondering when people like me can expect their relief chech.
Shontell D Jones
May 01, 2020
I am a SSI recipient on disability and never got a direct deposit on my direct express gov card on April 29th. What should I do?
Libranb
May 01, 2020
I am a single parent to my 14yr old son who I am his payee for ssd with no other income in household. Will I get a stimulus check and if so do I have to do anything
Chanell274
May 01, 2020
I claimed my 21yr old who receives SSI on my 2018 taxes will he be able to receive a stimulas package
Misswacker
May 01, 2020
I am on ssi and still havent got my stimulus money yet what should i do
My2Kings
May 01, 2020
FTC Staff. On April 5, 2020 I filed a non-filer tax form thru TurboTax. I filed Head of Household with two dependents, 16 & 11. It showed that I would qualify for myself and my two children. However, on April 17th, I only received a stimulus for myself and not my children. I have sole physical custody of my children. They currently receive SS payments under their fathers benefits. I receive their checks paid direct deposit to my bank account. I am currently on TANF with them as well. I have been reading the IRS website and cannot find anything that pertains to my situation. Is there a way I can find out about their stimulus and why they have not received theirs yet?
12345BD
May 02, 2020
I did not get my stimulus money an I'm on SSI will I get it?
PLEASE HELP ME
May 02, 2020
Im on SSI AND ON APIRL 29 2020 I CALLED TO C IF I GOT THE 1200 FROM THE URS PUTNO SOME IS OVER MY MONEY A PAYEE TO TAKE CARE OF MY BILLS PLEASE TELL ME I STILL GO ING TO GET THE 1.200 FROM IRS
missy
May 02, 2020
HELLO SSDI WAS TOLD WE GET PAID ON APRIL 29 Why is so many haven’t received the pay like promised , we need the money badly
Cherokee in Dub vee
May 02, 2020
I recieve SSI and my stimulus check was supposed to be deposited on the 29th but my bank never received it. Could this be because I owe child support from after I became disabled and couldn't work? If so that's completely unfair, i pay out of my ssi check and barely make ends meet. I thought this stimulus check was to help those of us in debt from the coronavirus epidemic. Im barely out of the negative on my bank accounts
Martinez
May 02, 2020
When do sis get there check from the government
NOT FAIR
May 02, 2020
My sons who have been disabled for more than 10 yrs had a stimulus deposited into their debit card first stimulus check where given so WHY are they not entitled to it this time around. They were dependent back then too.
NOT FAIR
May 02, 2020
My sons who have been disabled for more than 10 yrs had a stimulus deposited into their debit card when first stimulus check where given so WHY are they not entitled to it this time around. They were dependent back then too.
Concerned parent
May 02, 2020
I got my stimulus check but my child did not are they still going to send her 1
Garrett 9263
May 02, 2020
I am 55yrs old unemployed ex marine why can't I get a stimulus. Just got my disability this month after fighting for 3yrs
Marky
May 02, 2020
My wife has been in prison for 25 years and I get ssdi and I support her best I can is she entitled to a stimulus check?
Rc1956
May 02, 2020
I get ssdi and have for years. I have direct express and get a ssa 1099.i don't file a tax return. Don't owe any debt. Today is May 2nd and haven't received my stimulus payment.
elite8539
May 03, 2020
i am on ssdi and still have not received my 1200 dollars. when i check the system it give me a error that they cant find me but i get my check directly deposited every month. What is the deal
Keith Jamar
May 03, 2020
Send my check wrong address I can't find it
Murrayrjlsr
May 03, 2020
I've changed from ssi to ssa with direct deposit , will I get a simlus deposit or a check, if so when?
Don't use your…
May 03, 2020
I am homeless and i have a pending SSI.I have been pending for almost 3 years.I need help reall y bad
Madara119
May 04, 2020
I ask u a question... i was wondering the money will go deposit in the ssdi card? Or cant.. ? Must in the bank? I m very confused right now so far for 3 weeks . I have hard to understand about issue of covid-19 impact happen with it . Thank u
FTC Staff
May 06, 2020

In reply to by Madara119

The Social Security Administration says people who get SSDI will get the payment the same way you get your SSDI payment. You don't have to do anything more. They will send you the payment. 

Samantha
May 05, 2020
I pay my back child support every month and this stimulant check is supposed to be to help in these critical times but we don't get it even though we pay every month on time I think this is rediculous
Pamelaasher196…
May 05, 2020
I get ptd benefits through bwc.wen wil i get a stimulus check& will it be in the mail or there in the deposit where my benfits go on..
Lilru143
May 05, 2020
I am on disability so don't file returns. Have legal custody of 2 grandchildren under age 17. I entered info on irs.gov they sent my stimulus but didn't add the kids. Why? Will I get it?
Don't use your…
May 06, 2020
Will I get my stimulus check on my Direct Express Card real I get my stimulus check on my Direct Express Card
Gigi
May 06, 2020
Need to investigate with NetSpend.... Lot's of people having problem...
S Pruitt
May 06, 2020
My son Social Security benefits and I Icannot find out if he is going to get a stimulus check it has not been deposited into my checking account and I am over his check he keeps asking and I told him I don't know yet I cannot find out any information I would like to know if he is going to be getting his stimulus check it should be direct deposited that's how he gets his Social Security payment
mpwill
May 06, 2020
if an individual is currently incarcerated but owes arrears in child support will the parent recieve the stimulus payment towards the owed support or does this mean they will not recieve it ?
rose.dan3
June 10, 2020
Where to cash a stimlus check with out a banking account??
Dornob$
May 07, 2020
I receive SSI and I also pay rent my landlord fill out a rent form through Social Security when I initially receive Social Security I receive SSI and the landlord cleaned me 4 the stimulus how can I resolve this issue when they are legally fill out Federal document to get extra money in their tax return and it is blocking me from getting my stimulus
cedric1283
May 07, 2020
i have a wustionA question when do the people that receive Social Security and SSI receive the payments because as of now I haven’t
cowboy60
May 07, 2020
I guess us disable people who has been ssi since 2009 is going to be left out
BealeyLA
May 07, 2020
I don't receive my stimulus check on direct express card yet
Vonnied
May 07, 2020
If bank info was requested and updated on May 1st, what’s the ETA of the stimulus check to be direct deposited?
Moeesha
May 08, 2020
I want to why cant child support at least take sum of stimulus check not all of it cuz sum belongs to my baby i have now .and not only that the other parent is geting a stimulus check adding all the kids and getting my babys money i realy dont think that is fair at a time like this..
MarshallCaple
May 08, 2020
As of yet I have not received my check and I am retired and got direct deposit. I am on a low income myself.
MisticDreamzz
May 08, 2020
MAY 13TH PEOPLE OF SSI SSDI VETERANS, THAT'S THE NEW DATE SET FOR OUR MONEY SUPPOSEDLY.
Fred P. 65
May 08, 2020
If my wife owes child support will mine and my 5yr old daughters stimulus check be affected
Kyla19$Don't u…
May 09, 2020
How do I get my routing number from Direct express
Marcus e tate
May 09, 2020
Fed up because i have not got. Anything from the government
Ara2886
May 09, 2020
if the non custodial parent owes child support since january till now will they seized his stimulus check or since last year he was not behind they wont seize it?
Damisundastood 11
May 10, 2020
Why should people that have child support have to lose their taxes and stimulas.. And the other parent gets their own stimulas and a stimulus for the children and plus our money too? Thats not right at all
Sunshiner55
May 10, 2020
I'm on disability since 1996 SSDI and I'm still waiting on my stimulus check how much longer before I get it it seems like everyone has got it but me I need an answer please
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