Beware Stimulus Check Scams

March 26, 2020

Kellie M. Spawton

The Federal Government approved stimulus payments to be sent to many Americans, and the scammers are already trying to capitalize by using the promise of payment to steal your information.

Scammers may call, text, or email you, pretending to be federal agents. They will ask for information like your bank account and routing number, your Social Security Number, and even your Online Banking credentials. They will advise they need this information so you can get your money right away.

When the U.S. Treasury wants to send you money, they will not text, call, or email you. The U.S. Treasury communicates via mail, and they will use only payment delivery methods that have been previously confirmed through tax return information.

The U.S. Census Bureau has also advised that viral social media posts claiming that responding to the census will make you eligible for stimulus money are false. Your census answers cannot be used to impact your eligibility for government benefits, including stimulus funds.

When Will You Receive a Stimulus Payment?

While the specific payment date(s) for the stimulus payments have not yet been communicated, the Treasury Secretary has stated that they hope to start issuing checks within three weeks of the bill passing, with the remainder of the checks being issued by the end of May. The stimulus bill does not provide a specific timeline for payment distributions.

How Will You Receive a Stimulus Payment?

Payments typically are sent using information from previously filed tax returns. If your address has changed since the last time you filed, you can visit the IRS website to update your information at www.irs.gov.

If you have received a Direct Deposit in the past, you will receive the payment via Direct Deposit, using the information from previously filed returns.

If you filed a return and received it on a payment instrument (like a prepaid card or tax advance loan), you will receive a paper check.

If you need a paper check, it typically adds 2-3 weeks to the payment delivery time.

If you fear you have already been scammed, please call our Customer Care Center at 888-623-2633, option 3, and we will take steps to protect your account and information.

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