Whenever the government announces payments, scammers follow. The same tricks appear every time. This is general information; programmes and deadlines change, so check official sources for anything current.
Common scams
- Fake texts and emails saying your payment is waiting and linking to a lookalike site.
- Callers claiming to be from the government who say you must “verify” your bank or Social Security number.
- Pay-to-claim offers: a fee, a gift card or crypto to “release” money.
- Social media posts from accounts promising grants if you send a message.
What real agencies do not do
- They do not ask for payment to release a government benefit.
- They do not demand gift cards, wire transfers or crypto.
- They do not threaten arrest by text or phone call for an unpaid “fee”.
What to do
- Do not click links in unexpected messages. Type the official website into your browser.
- Never share your Social Security number, bank login or passwords.
- Report suspected fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward phishing emails to the agency named in the message, such as [email protected] for fake IRS emails.
- If you already gave details, contact your bank and consider a credit freeze.
Read our general guide to checking benefit information and how to block spam texts.