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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.