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We know there’s been a flood of information and updates about the government’s economic impact payments, or so-called stimulus checks, lately. But quickly and safely moving massive amounts of money into the hands of those who need it is a big job with a lot of moving parts.

We also know that the more you know about the process, the less likely you’re going to be tripped up by calls, text messages, or emails from scammers trying to steal your money or personal information.

Here’s what you need to know about the stimulus payments and how to avoid scams related to these payments.

Who will get money?

Adult U.S. residents that meet established income limits are eligible to receive money from the government. This includes:

Taxpayers – people who filed a federal tax return for 2018 or 2019.

Retirees – people who get Social Security, Railroad, or other retirement benefits.

Beneficiaries – people who get public benefits like SSDI, disability, or veterans’ benefits.

Non-filers – people who do not have to file a federal tax return, including people who made no income or made less than $12,200 (or $24,400 for married couples).

If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, have a qualifying child, and didn’t file a return in 2018 or 2019, you have to take action by noon ET on Wednesday, April 22 to add the $500 per eligible child to your payment. See details from the IRS.

 

What to do

 

Most people don’t have to do anything to get their money because the IRS will use the same payment method – direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or paper check – used to send you your tax refund, Social Security, retirement, or other government benefits money. If the IRS doesn’t have your direct deposit information, you can go to the “Get My Payment” feature at irs.gov/coronavirus and let them know where to send your direct deposit.

If you don’t usually file a tax return, go to irs.gov/coronavirus to access the “Non-filer” portal and to figure out what, if anything, you have to do to claim your money.

To check on the status of your payment, you can now use the “Get My Payment” feature at irs.gov/coronavirus.

Avoiding Coronavirus stimulus payment scams

Scammers are using these stimulus payments to try to rip people off. They might try to get you to pay a fee to get your stimulus payment. Or they might try to convince you to give them your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number.

4 tips for avoiding a Coronavirus stimulus payment scam

  1. Only use irs.gov/coronavirus to submit information to the IRS – and never in response to a call, text, or email.
  2. The IRS won’t contact you by phone, email, text message, or social media with information about your stimulus payment, or to ask you for your Social Security number, bank account, or government benefits debit card account number. Anyone who does is a scammer phishing for your information.
  3. You don’t have to pay to get your stimulus money.
  4. The IRS won’t tell you to deposit your stimulus check then send them money back because they paid you more than they owed you. That’s a fake check scam.

Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

To keep up with the latest scams, sign up for the FTC's consumer alerts.

Watch these videos for more tips on how to avoid ecomonic impact payment scams:

FTC tips to avoid economic impact payment scams

(This post is part of the FTC's imposter scam series.)

Updated April 21, 2020 with new deadline for some benefit recipients.

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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.

Kld1344
April 27, 2020
Get my payment says my information doesn’t match but my information is right Doesn’t tell you what to do or what exactly doesn’t match
Broke
May 16, 2020

In reply to by Kld1344

I heard if you use all capital letters it will go through
Jen
April 28, 2020
I can't use the tool to add bank info. Because whenever I put my info. I have a message saying that the information that they have in file does not match ehat I put. I also realise today that that there is a mistake on the address on my tax return but I can6call irs to fix it. And even when i use the wrong address to check on the status of stimulus. it still say that the info does not match . What else can I do?
Jennifer
April 28, 2020
When checking on the status of my stimulus check I am now getting an alert that my "information does not match in the system. For weeks it just told me that my payment status was not available. What is going on??
abelvgee
April 28, 2020
HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT GETTING MY STIMULUS IF , I don’t have access to the card that they direct deposit it too ?
Ninja98145
April 28, 2020
I entered my direct deposit information on April 15! I received a message the next day telling me that I'm eligible for the payment and have the same message everyday since then. Here it is April 28th and I still have not received my stimulus payment. I check the irs website everyday and my bank numerous times a day in hopes that my deposit will show up. What's the problem? I really need that stimulus payment! Any advice?
DDDBBB
May 14, 2020

In reply to by Ninja98145

Same here Updated April 15th and I am stuck on the same page. Eligible with no deposit date. It is May 14th now! Funny thing is we file taxes every year. Our taxes are being reviewed this year as they were last year. For some reason the IRS didn't have my banking information. Last correspondence is from 2/13/2020 from IRS. My rights to being informed are surely being violated. No tax return, no stimulus. I have $50 left to my name. My husband has been trying to get an "essential" job. No Luck
Kblack33
April 28, 2020
Ive been frauded both years 18 and 19 so my check went on a bank card I dont no about how can I get my money..in a need of time like this
sbm2002
April 28, 2020
My mom began receiving social security in February. Does she need to do anything to receive her payment?
ldwhite
April 28, 2020
I enter the requested information straight from my taxes and I get the response saying it does not match what is on file and logs me out. But the information is correct and right in front of me when I enter it. I have tried daily and still no luck. WHY???? How and when will I get my check if it doesn't take my information???
Anagle
April 28, 2020
Any help would be great . 2 weeks ago I got in on my payment and gave them my DD information . It says they have my information once they have a date they will post it . No this week . I go in to check on my payment I enter my SS #it says it the wrong number it clearly isn’t so I can’t get past that page it locks me out . So no check and no information. What can I do if I can’t get passed the first page??
Betty Lou Buford
May 04, 2020

In reply to by Anagle

When I enter my social security number in it tells me it doesn't recognize my number
Kiddo
April 28, 2020
I have not been able to check the status of my stimulus check, because the irs website keeps telling me that my ssn doesn't match their records. I filed my 2019 taxes in early January and still have not recieved my stimulus check. So who knows when it will arrive. I was laid off in mid March and have been on unemployement. It does help but my baby girl is growing so fast and I intend to use my stimulus payment to buy her things that she needs.
Cessy811
April 28, 2020
I have yet to receive my stimulus. I believe there is an error in your information and it would be nice to speak with someone to get things corrected.
Ziggylew
April 28, 2020
I'm an American living in Scotland. I've filed my taxes every year in the US, but it's always 0 earned and 0 owed. I did file my 2019 taxes and I am eligible for a payment. For a few weeks the "get my payment" site said it "couldn't determine my eligibility" and now it's telling me that the information I'm entering doesn't match their records. Like my social security, address and birthdate - I can't get into the system at all cause it says my actual identity info. doesn't match. But I've checked it against all my tax returns and it is my correct info. I don't know what to do!
Joetime
April 28, 2020
I didn't file taxes in 2018 but did file in 2019 taxes but it says still processing and has said that for almost 40 days! i've not received my stimulus check what should i do?
LEESA15
April 28, 2020

In reply to by Joetime

Going through same thing. I efiled on the April 8th with direct deposit info still says processing, no stimulus check but my status changed on GET MY PAYMENT it says you will be getting a payment in bank acct ending in xxxx we will let you know a date soon that was 5 days ago, still no tax refund or date on stimulus check
AnnGwish
April 28, 2020
Non-filer here on SSI, filled out all my info at that freefillableform site a couple of weeks ago, got email stating it was accepted and no further action was required. Tried the Get My Payment option on the IRS site and it says my social security number doesn't match what is on file. I've checked and re-checked the form I filled out and all my info is correct. Currently locked out of their site for 24 hours because of this nonsense. Anyone else having this issue?
Djollay1
April 28, 2020
The get payment web site is saying the records dont match I am putting in address that IRS has they send me a bill each month what do I do
Frustrated
May 01, 2020

In reply to by Djollay1

It was saying that to me for a few days till i took a list of my past addresses & put them in one by one & sure enough it popped up with where the check was sent. Hope it helps u.
dillonhuntermom
April 28, 2020
I receive social security and for my stimulus but not my child’s 8 year old. I did the non filers page before the deadline and didn’t receive his $500 stimulus check why ?
Dorisholmes7
April 28, 2020
My stimilus refund was stolen from my mail box how can I report my money being stolen
FTC Staff
April 29, 2020

In reply to by Dorisholmes7

Report the stolen check and create an IRS affidavit at www.IdentityTheft.gov. Click "Get Started" on the first page. On the next page, click on the green bar that says "someone claimed an economic stimulus payment using my information."

Fill in what you know to create the identity theft report and IRS Identity Theft Affidavit. The system will create a list of steps for what you can do next.

Kacie5288
April 28, 2020
The Get My Payment portal updated on the 24th with my correct banking info however less than 24 hours later it updated again. This time it have me an actual day my deposit would be made(29th) but they banking info had been changed to account I've never seen. I contacted my bank to see if the account was in anyway linked to me and then confirmed no. I even called the offset program just to make sure and no I don't have any offsets. I can't get ahold of anyone! All I can do is watch as my money gets deposited I to this fraudulent account!!!
Jotrkn4848
May 16, 2020

In reply to by Kacie5288

I was given a confirmation that my stimulus payment would be deposited on the 13th of may today is the 16th and still have not had any transaction in my account what do I do
rob
May 26, 2020

In reply to by Jotrkn4848

get my payment says scheduled to direct deposit to my bank account on april 15, its now may 26th what is really going on? nor have i received income tax, says some bs about still being processed? am i on some kind of this guys actually trying in life, we dont wanna help those list?
Frustrated
April 28, 2020
When I add my tax info it tells me it’s incorrect
Bryan
April 28, 2020
I did my taxes with some guy there and my account number was apparently put in wrong, So I received my taxes by check from the person who did my taxes weird, now my stimulus check stated it would arrive 4/27 and never did ??? Any help
LadyJ
April 28, 2020
I am on SSDI and have a minor child, so the first day the tool was available to enter the info for her and also I added my banking info even thou I do have Direct express where my benefits are deposited monthly I wanted to make sure my banking stuff was available because at that time they had not stated they would do direct deposit on Direct Express cards. Well everything was accepted and a few days ago it finally says when.i went.to check where is my refund that it would be deposited on the 29th but in an acct ending in 4 digits I never heard of or had. Direct Express is NO HELP nor is anywhere I check. Has anyone else experienced this?
ButGravy
April 29, 2020
Someone stole my SSN and filed 2019 taxes before I could. Because of that, the stimulus check got deposited into an account I don’t know (I assume the fraudster). How can I contact the IRS or anybody that cares to deposit it into the account on my 2018 taxes?
FTC Staff
April 29, 2020

In reply to by ButGravy

Report that to www.IdentityTheft.gov. Click "Get Started" on the first page. On the next page, click on the green bar that says " someone claimed an economic stimulus payment using my information."

Fill in what you know to create an identity theft report and IRS Identity Theft Affidavit. The system will create a list of steps for what you can do next to resolve identity theft. 

ButGravy
April 29, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

Thanks but I already did all that. All I want to know is when I can expect my stimulus check to be rerouted. Nowhere on the IRS website does it discuss this in the FAQ section. Seems to be a gaping hole in how they deposited money without having a chance for the recipient to verify information. So with all that in mind, is there someone at the IRS who is working on these cases and rerouting money, and if so, when can i expect my stimulus check?
Le
April 28, 2020
I am so frustrated. All I get on the app is that my information doesn't match what is on file. I lived at the same address 30 yrs. I paid what I owed on my 2019 taxes and they cashed my check
BarbsIsland
April 28, 2020
Hi. I had to put my direct deposit information on the wheres my payment which was weird because I've been using the same routing and account number for my tax return for 9 years. Apparently I was supposed to have it directly deposited on April 15th but they had a glitch or something. I checked WMP on the 18th and it said my payment would be mailed to the address on my taxes. I almost had a heart attack. We are no longer at that address. I had an alert in my email from usps informed delivery and it showed me a pic of the economic relief check and it was delivered on the 23rd. I immediately called the woman that lives in the Townhouse next door to to my old one. She said she didn't see It blah blah blah. It's now the 28 and she still wont just say she found it or something. Shes done this before with my packages etc. Shes crazy. I know shes not giving it back.We need that money desperately. I started an investigation with usps today but i dont know who to call as far as a replacement check or they can just deposit it like they were suppose to. Does anyone know who I should call? This sucks.
Feebug4
April 29, 2020
I filed the non- filers and only got back $408 does anyone know why????
Frankii
April 29, 2020
I'm on social security and haven't received my stimulus check yet I'm in need badly for it I get direct express where is my money
Janet
April 29, 2020
Can anyone please tell me what to do about my stimulus if I'm on ssd and and use a Direct express card?
becca
April 29, 2020
I changed information it said I’m eligible and when it has a date it’ll be deposited into the account I put in and now on Monday it says my information doesn’t match their record
BJack
April 29, 2020
I have entered both mine and my wife's login info for Get My Payment and both times the login fails and says that the info does not match IRS records. I used the exact info from our tax return. Has my info been hacked?
Terrytara
April 29, 2020
I receive SSDI and I have two minor children. I used the "Non Filer" portal to enter my information and adding my two dependents on April 18th. I received a email back stating the irs accepted my return with a submission ID number on it. I did get payment of $1,200 yesterday but nothing for my dependents. Im not sure what I might of did wrong or how I could find out. Can anyone help please?
Where’s my money
April 30, 2020

In reply to by Terrytara

Same exact thing here and MANY others same situation. No one to answer us, no one to call. No one cares. $1200 for a family of 5 is not much!
Loucreatia
April 29, 2020
I have the Direct Express card and didn't receive my Stimulus payment... why???
SherryMichelleApp1
April 29, 2020
I get disability I filed on non filers and changed my direct deposit info from direct express to my bank account. When will I get my stimulus check
PWalker
April 29, 2020
We filed jointly, we should have received $2400 but we only received $1200. When I checked on stimulus info, it came up under my spouse but not me.
Lindsey B
April 29, 2020
My 2018 and 2019 tax info was not the same my check went into my ex husband account my name not on account but was on the stimulus check but he took all the money bc my name is not on his account. Ive called irs 1000 times no answer.. help plz
Abryant
April 29, 2020
I’m having an issue, when checking the payment status it says. Deposited on the 15th of April, but I checked my bank nothing. And my husband and I got our letter, saying we will be receiving yet it’s not there. I called the treasury dep they said I should’ve gotten it cause they didn’t touch it. And my account info is right. Anyone else having this problem?
Tsant8585
May 01, 2020

In reply to by Abryant

I’m having the exact same problem. I Went on the app and it said my money is scheduled to be deposited 04/29/2020 onto my cash app but I haven’t received anything. Cash app says they put it on as soon as the relieved it but haven’t received anything for me. I don’t even know a number where I can Get someone on the phone. If anyone could shed some light on this or has gone threw this please let me know Your outcome or what I can do please to help my situation. Thank you!!!
Hungrymanbj
May 09, 2020

In reply to by Tsant8585

Same thing. Deposit scheduled for 4/29/2020 and I haven't received anything yet to my cashapp. Have you?
javiernava19766
May 10, 2020

In reply to by Tsant8585

Same situation here same deposit date and nothing on my account!? Let's keep in touch if you here or receive it let me know....