Stimulus / Relief Payment 'Claim Now' Scam
A message says you qualify for a stimulus or relief payment and must click to 'claim' it, harvesting your identity and bank details.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You are told a new government stimulus, tax relief, or special payment is available and you must claim it through a link, sometimes paying a small 'processing fee' first. The page collects your SSN, bank account, and personal details. Real government payments are not claimed through texted links or advance fees; the IRS uses information it already has and contacts you by mail.
What it usually looks like
- A 'you qualify for a payment' text, email, or social post.
- A link to 'claim' or 'register' for the funds.
- A small processing fee to release the payment.
- Requests for SSN and bank details.
Common warning signs
- Government payments are not claimed via texted links.
- You are asked to pay a fee to get 'free' money.
- Requests for SSN and bank details up front.
- Unofficial web addresses.
Example wording scammers use
“Good news! You qualify for a $1,400 relief payment. Claim it now before the deadline: gov-relief-claim.net”
“Register your bank details to receive your stimulus deposit today.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your SSN and bank information.
- A small 'processing fee.'
- To resell your data or drain your account.
What to do
- Do not click; check only at irs.gov for any real payment.
- Never pay a fee to receive a government payment.
- Do not share SSN or bank details via a link.
- Delete and report the message.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank if you shared account details.
- Use IdentityTheft.gov if you shared your SSN.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.