News & Trending Money News

12 Stimulus Check Scams You Need To Watch Out For in 2025

Make sure even the best scammers can't take advantage of you.

United States government stimulus check
Updated Aug. 5, 2025
Fact check checkmark icon Fact checked

Stimulus and other rumored government payments have been a big news topic lately. Donald Trump expressed interest in a "tariff rebate check." Elon Musk also claimed he would urge the president to send "DOGE dividend" checks.

News like this opens the door for scammers to trick hard-working Americans looking to withstand economic downturns with the help of the government. However, since no new stimulus checks have been authorized, recognizing the following scams can keep you safe.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

Fake stimulus text messages

ณภัทร วงค์มาวิวัฒน์/Adobe hand holding a smartphone displaying an SMS

Scammers send text messages claiming their targets have been approved for 2025 stimulus checks. These texts include a link to "claim" funds. It's easy to fall for this since the links lead to fake government websites designed to steal your personal information. Remember, government agencies rarely use texts for official business.

Fake checks in the mail with "overpayment" requests

cunaplus/Adobe woman hands putting a letter inside an envelope

This scam involves mailing a fake stimulus check directly to a victim. Days later, the scammer will call their target and claim that the check was too much. They'll request that the "extra" funds be returned.

It's easy to be tricked by this, as victims have a physical check in their hands. Sadly, this check will bounce. Any request for you to "return" money from a government check is a scam.

Phishing emails from the "IRS" or "Treasury"

mehaniq41/Adobe internal revenue service website on the display of PC

Fraudsters also frequently send emails that mimic the logos of the IRS or the U.S. Treasury Department. These messages will claim you're owed a new stimulus payment. Again, these can look legitimate.

They'll ask for personal information and bank info. Fortunately, they're often identifiable because they often contain spelling errors and formatting issues. Additionally, federal agencies don't send unsolicited emails requesting personal information.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

Sign up for a free debt assessment here

Phone calls from "stimulus agents"

bestforbest/Adobe scam phone call from unknown number.

Americans are increasingly being targeted with scams directly by phone. Victims may receive calls from people claiming to be with the IRS or a relief agency. The scammers will offer a check, but only if the target "verifies their identity" with a Social Security number or banking information. The IRS will never contact you this way, especially offering free money.

Social media "stimulus portals"

Kannapat/Adobe using smartphone with warning sign

Criminals now use fake pages on Facebook and other social media platforms to target victims. They may reply to your comment, post on your page, or message you directly. They typically include a link that requests your personal information. This is always a scam. No government agency operates this way on social media.

Impersonation of public officials

Song_about_summer/Adobe scammer calling with unknown number to fake identity

Con artists sometimes take a more local approach by impersonating public officials, such as governors and mayors. People in a general area are targeted with texts, calls, or messages in a ruse to steal personal information.

They may request personal details to "verify residency." This may seem legitimate since they might already have some information about you. However, local governments don't directly contact residents offering cash in this manner.

AI-generated scam calls

Kevin/Adobe Concept of dangerous phone calls

Artificial intelligence has recently become insanely convincing. Scammers are using the technology to replicate real voices and even live videos. They could even mimic friends or family. If something seems off or rushed, hang up.

Facebook ads promising instant stimulus access

Chinnapong/Adobe Facebook social media app

Some scammers post ads on Facebook and other platforms claiming they can help you access a no-strings-attached stimulus check. They'll often instruct you to click a link to claim your check, which you should never do. The IRS will not make you go to a sketchy website if you're owed a payment; you will be notified through a letter.

"Stimulus expediting fee" scams

DimaBerlin/Adobe personal data exposure

When scammers know that stimulus payments are in the news, they target victims by claiming they can expedite the funding process.

This could occur again during future stimulus programs. They'll often instruct their targets to pay for this "service" with gift cards or payment apps. They'll use payment methods that are untraceable. People fall for this because they need money fast, but remember, no legitimate agency offers expediting services.

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Cardholders can also earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

"Pre-qualified" message scams

Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Person reading scam messages

Scammers use various means of contact (call, email, texts, and so on) to claim their victims are "pre-qualified" for a federal stimulus payment. They'll prompt their target to click a link to "confirm eligibility." However, using the term "pre-qualified" or "pre-approved" is a common scammer trick. The government does not use pre-qualification for relief payments.

Scams offering application help

JOURNEY STUDIO7/Adobe smartphone with incoming call from unknown number

Criminals consistently reach out offering "assistance" in applying for money when stimulus payments are in the news. These claims may seem legitimate since they'll often come directly after stimulus payments get substantial news coverage. However, there typically is no application process for government stimulus payments. The government already has all the information needed, so don't fall for this if new stimulus money starts going out.

Stimulus grant money scams

DimaBerlin/Adobe feared pensioner giving away card number to fraudsters

When previous stimulus funds went out, criminals reached out to potential victims, claiming they could secure immediate stimulus money via grants. With this scam, they'll again ask for your personal information so you can "receive funding," but in reality, they will use it to steal money from you.

Scammers might even offer money above the government stimulus. However, there is no grant money when it comes to stimulus checks. Be wary of this, because future stimulus payments will likely bring the scammers back out.

Bottom line

JJ Gouin/Adobe Economic impact stimulus treasury check

Stimulus check scams are still prevalent in 2025. This is fueled by news coverage and public confusion over past and rumored payments. Scammers' methods are varied, and they exploit your financial stress by promising nonexistent ways to get ahead financially with government funds.

Always remember that the IRS does not initiate contact by phone, text, email, or social media to offer stimulus payments; it typically contacts you through the U.S. mail. If such a check is ever approved, it will be widely announced through official channels. More importantly, it will process automatically for most taxpayers.

Up To 5% Cash Back

Benefits

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • Apply Now
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount
  • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your virtual card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Discover <span class='whitespace-nowrap'>it<sup>®</sup></span> Cash Back
4.7
info
Apply Now

on Discover’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.