Skip to main content

Do you think your economic impact payment has landed in the hands of an identity thief? You can report it to the FTC and the IRS at the same time. Here’s what to do.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the government’s one-stop resource for people to report identity theft and get a personal recovery plan. Click “Get started.” The next page asks, “Which statement best describes our situation?” Click the line that says, “Someone filed a Federal tax return – or claimed an economic stimulus payment – using my information.” You’re on your way.

Logo: Coronavirus Scams: Tips from the FTCIdentityTheft.gov will ask you some questions so that it can complete an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (IRS Form 14039) for you, and submit it electronically to the IRS. You can include a personal statement too, to tell the IRS details about how your identity was misused to claim your economic impact payment. You also can download a copy of your completed Affidavit for your files. And, IdentityTheft.gov also will give you a recovery plan with steps you can take to help protect yourself from further identity theft.

Use IdentityTheft.gov to report suspected identity theft only. If you have other concerns about your economic impact payment, visit the IRS’s Economic Impact Payment Information Center and Get My Payment Frequently Asked Questions pages for detailed, and frequently-updated, answers to questions. You also can find information here about payments that the IRS may have deposited to an account you don’t recognize.

Whether you’re waiting for your payment, or even if it’s already arrived, keep alert for scammers trying to steal your personal information, your money, or both. Remember, the IRS will not call, text you, email you, or contact you on social media asking for personal or bank account information – even related to the stimulus payments. Also, watch out for emails and texts with attachments or links claiming to have special information about the payments. They’re fake, and they may be phishing for your personal information or might download malware to your computer, tablet, or phone.

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.

Queenb1215
June 16, 2020
I filed as a non filer on April 20th and got the accepted email. I have not received anything about when to receive my stimulus check and everytime I use the portal it says payment status not available. I know that I qualify 100%. In four days will make 3 months since I filed. Can anyone help?
DW
June 19, 2020

In reply to by FTC Staff

If I sent the IRS3911 form, where exactly to send it? I can't findt the address online?
Rhonda456789
June 16, 2020
I have moved from Moore about 3 months ago in March my ex roommate call me and told me my Stimlist check is there. She said she mail it back to the sender which us the irs I check on my Stimlist check it said it has been mail. I think my ex roommate took it she won't answer me at all. Can I get help to file a complaint on her
gidgetrichardson52
June 17, 2020
My stimlas check was stole an cashed by my twin sister the irs said it was sent outmay12020 cashed in vegas i want to file charges who do i talk to
MZ
June 17, 2020
Okay, FTC staff. I did go to answer 53. It says to call that number, and I did. But isn't calling that number just a complete waste of time? I've waited for ages just to be disconnected, or if someone does answer (nice folks btw), they switch over to an IRS agent who just says they can't do a trace so just fill out Form 3911 and mail it in. Yet I also found out the hard way that the IRS has been shut down from reviewing paper mailed tax forms! (at least until recently). So if I fill out and mail Form 3911 how long will the process take, are they currently open, and will I maybe see my check some time next year, if I'm lucky?
Gary Mark Sullivan
June 17, 2020
My name is Gary Mark Sullivan I am a Jr. And I was living with my sister and her husband and they have an app through the post office. to what ever they got coming in that day they get a picture text. And around April 30 th. ,They got a picture text with my name on the envelope to the pay of me. From the IRS but the check never showed. And that was the first one. I would like to know where my check is and how I go about getting it.
mydogcopper63
June 25, 2020
I did non filer tool April 18. Last week I called to check on statice of my payment. I was informed someone claimed me as a dependent so not true. I did the non filler again and faxed irs a identity theif. When should I get my payment. I'm on s.s.d.i and some did my husband the sameway and he is in stage 4 lung cancer and As so is on s.s.d.i
karnelltriplet…
June 18, 2020
I received the form 1444 but I never received a stimulus check. On the form I was told what I was supposed to receive but never received it.
MZ
June 19, 2020
Finally, good news and some resolution. Called the 800#, entered 1 for English, and got a person on the line after a long wait. Got switched over, and the nice agent just initiated a trace for my check. She says in 6 weeks I will get an alternative check if the original was not cashed (so it can be cancelled), or if it was cashed, I will receive a claim form to get it resolved. The key is six weeks since initiating a trace. Regarding those of us who sent in paper forms for 2019 IRS income taxes and who are waiting for refunds on that too, forget it for now, since all of those offices are still closed! No indication when they will re-open. I wish the IRS would have said that earlier in the year when they originally announced we had a three month extension to file ( I thought that was so nice), they were also shutting down IRS paper tax return reviews too! It was not just for our benefit, but theirs too. I erringly thought with fewer paper tax returns coming in, it would go much faster for me. They should have said "everybody gets a 3 month extension because we're shutting down the IRS offices".
Patrick 13
June 19, 2020
My wifes purse was stolen with our stimulus check in it? IRS should see we didn't cash it, how to get a new one
Rodger wiley
June 20, 2020
My wife got my check but we are not together we have been separated for a long time
JaneDoe825825
June 21, 2020
I became aware that a friend that was staying in my apartment (i was in another state at the time) attempted to apply for the stimulus and PUA in my name. I found out when i got home and received something in the mail a few days later stating that the applications had been rejected. Apparently, she put in my birthday incorrectly. My question is; can i still apply for the stimulus and PUA since this person never actually received any money? I had wanted to wait until i was back home to apply, but will i have any issues since someone already ATTEMPTED to apply in my name? The "friend" was unceremoniously kicked out, btw.
Elizabeth Lilly
June 21, 2020
I have not received my stimulus check as of today I am disabled 100% and I pay my bills and live by my self and have been on disability 13 years.where is my check?
Jammin44638
June 21, 2020
My name is Jasmine Hambrick I've received a tax return the last 2 years in a row plus I have 2 kids Jonah,5 and Jayce,1 not to mention I'm 3 months pregnant ......all my info is the exact same as it's been for over 3 years so where's is mine and my babies money??????????!!!!!!!
Latrice
June 22, 2020
Latrice id was stolen ii did not get stimilus check dont haveneed to protect mmyself
TheDmckenzie
June 24, 2020
I lost my paper check on the way to deposit it, What should I do? I emailed and called about it to cancel the check. I haven’t heard back from anyone. What can I do?
Jojo101
June 24, 2020
If my husband whom I am seperated from got my stimulus check and kept it what do I do about it?
Thisguy
June 24, 2020
It says my check is being mailed out on may 15th. I still have not gotten it and havehad an issue with neighbors stealing my work checks. How do i find out if that's been stolen or if it just hasn't arrived yet?
Mharris55
June 25, 2020
Someone claim me on their taxes and use me as false identity stole my stimulus
Curvesasb
June 30, 2020

In reply to by Mharris55

My childs aunt (father of childs sister) claimed my child on taxes for last two years. We never knew until now. We did identity theft for him against her. We never got his stimulus , she did . . She has been get money for my child for 2 yrs. Smh some ppl.
menyceprod
June 25, 2020
My check was set to be mailed may 1st. After numerous attempts to contact the IRS I got through and they did a check trace. SOMEONE CASHED MY CHECK! Now I have to fill out a claim form. The crazy thing is the check had my address on it but I never received the letter so how did they get my stimulus check?!!!
NurseNora49
June 25, 2020
How many more stimulus payments, in round one, have yet to be sent to those deemed qualified to receive them?
Helpme
June 27, 2020
My roommate got my information and went on line and checked to see if i got my check. Is that illegal?
karmelosdad
June 29, 2020
I completed the irs form and i'm curious to how long the investigation takes?
GovIsaLIE
August 15, 2020

In reply to by karmelosdad

They won't look into it. On the site it claims it takes days. Been 4 months so far for me.
Dwayne Ervin craig
June 30, 2020
I need to talk to a real person about my stimulis check being stolen
Maurice Rogers
June 30, 2020
How do I know if someone is spending my government benefits
MZ
June 30, 2020
@menyceprod I don't know how you got the IRS to do a trace on the telephone. Twice they told me to wait another 5 or 6 weeks for a response and they will let me know. Like yours, my check was for May 1, and never arrived. Informed Delivery photo for it was May 8. Never came. That $1200 would come in handy right now considering this economy. If the checks were cashed, then our mail was intercepted along the way. And I don't think it was mailbox theft. An inside job?
Iluvmybby
July 01, 2020
Somonee has stolen my stimulus and I believe they are getting unemployment off me as well
mylyja
July 03, 2020
I was supposed to receive stimulus payment on May 22. 14 days later, I received a letter informing me on the amount. After that nothing. I called the number listed at the bottom of the letter, 800-919-9835. They informed me I had to wait 4 weeks. I called back and was transferred to an agent who ran a trace and to have check resent which would take 6 weeks. A week or two went by and I called them again to find out status. The rep informed me that my payment was not sent out as a check but as a debit card. There was nothing she could do to trace it. I had to call EIP, 800-240-8100. When you call this number, you must press the following prompts...1 for english, 2 lost or stolen card, 1 destroyed or lost card. You will be prompted to enter in the last 6 digits of your ss# and then your zip code. I think you are then prompted to press another number on whether card was stolen, lost, or discarded by mistake. Select the one that fits your case. They will ask if you want it fedexed or express shipped. Say yes! It's $17 but you don't have to pay it. I called on June 30 and received my card via Fedex today, 7/3.
Bamamawmaw
July 04, 2020
I have tried over and over used tools but still no info on my first stimulus I havent recieved yet help
Don't use your…
July 14, 2020
I never received my stimlus I and sac and I was just sounding why I never received my 2700 stimlus pay but when I put t my information in it said wrong information so I need help so I can get my stimlus
Carcaro97
July 14, 2020
@Kashaebear - Claimed to do giveaway, ended up stealing $2000 through Apple Pay. She stopped replying back to me and I want to be refunded for what was mine.
Trinity
July 06, 2020
It seems I can find every possible non-receipt scenario except for the one that relates to me: At the time, my husband and I filed jointly in 2018. In 2019 we were divorcing. I had since filed married filing separately. The check, made payable to the both of us was sent to the address on file for 2018 instead of my separate address and tax filing in 2019. My soon to be narcissist of an ex-husband have received the check but won't give me my share...I know everyone have enough on their plates in the midst of Covid-19, racial inequalities, etc., but I think that in order to reduce the possibilities of fraud, unfair holdings etc, certain questions should be asked prior to releasing stimulus funds in order to ensure that funds get into the hands of the people for whom they are intended
Sherry19630
July 06, 2020
My son filed taxes for the kids i have custody of without my knowledge and stole their stimulas checks
Stellarlion
July 07, 2020
How do you report someone that you know is taking someone else's stimulus check?
Chet
July 07, 2020
i am on disability and been waiting on my stimulus payment . from what i was told i did not have to do anything and it would come as my soc. sec. does but after waiting for months i kept trying different things on the get my pay ment . well i put in my wife’s mother’s address and it was sent out in april’s but not to my bank account or addresss . i have not been with my wife for 4 years and she lives with another man and has been . she got 2400.00 $ but tells my son only 1200.00 . she has nothing to do with me in any way and darn sure don’t help me with money or anything so i’m no dependent. I.r.s. told me she got 2400.00$ please help she has took enough already
SGallegos.5150
July 09, 2020
My mail was stolen and cashed by a family member or was used if it was a credit card either way and I have no way to prove that but I know it already came in July 3rd. What do I do?
Hooked X
July 15, 2020
Both my stimulus payment and my 2019 tax returns were fraudulently filed/stolen and deposited into an account ending in 2363, a Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis. Anyone else?
Jana101
July 15, 2020
My son receives social security from his dad, get my payment says it was deposited on May 28 but still haven’t received it yet !! How can I see where it went ???
Tinker4500
July 17, 2020
I'm on ssi and still didn't receive my first stimulus check
Tinkeraw4500
July 17, 2020
Hi I'm on SSI and I never received my stimulus package and my mom is my payee
MOLH
July 23, 2020
I supposedly received my stimulus check in April, but it never made it into my account. I could find no way to report that the banking information that the IRS website showed was not and never had been my information. I just, today (July 23), found this site. The next stimulus is to be sent soon. I don't want someone to steal it too. How quickly will this fix it? What can be done about my first missing check? I am on the phone, on hold with an IRS phone number I just found. Will a phone conversation be more effective? Advice please. It will be greatly appreciated.
Knodebangdahit…
July 23, 2020
I want my first stimulus direct deposit on my greendot card my everything is different and my atm pincode changed too
MZ
July 25, 2020
Good news! My missing Stimulus Payment slated for May 1 finally arrived this summer! So the very same letter w/ check image I saw on Informed Delivery on May 8 is in my hands at this very moment. Thus, it was NOT stolen, but likely somehow misplaced and delayed considerably in the USPS delivery handling process. The bad news is that before I received it this summer, I asked the IRS to do a trace since I reported it as missing. Thus, they stopped that check so it is un-cashable. But it will be resolved once I get the paperwork in early August. Finally.
rpwblue
August 03, 2020
I filed for identity theft of my stimulus about 2 months ago. I've heard nothing from the IRS. How long does it take to hear from them after filing the forms?