Claims about new federal stimulus checks often circulate online, especially around tax season or periods of economic uncertainty. Rumors that the government will send out another round of “stimulus checks” can be confusing and stressful.
It is important to know what is real, what is false, and how to protect yourself from scams that try to exploit these claims.
Understanding these differences can help prevent financial loss, identity theft, and stress. Many scams use familiar phrases like “stimulus” or “economic impact payment” to appear credible. The Internal Revenue Service publishes regular warnings and tips to help taxpayers spot scams and verify legitimate communications.
Knowing the key signs of official IRS contacts and what the agency will never do can help you decide when a message or notice is real and when it is likely a scam.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →It also helps explain why the term “stimulus check” can be misleading today and why official IRS tools are the only reliable way to check payment status.
What a Federal Stimulus Check Is
A stimulus check is the informal name for a federal economic impact payment issued by the U.S. government during times of economic downturn or emergency, most recently during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
These payments were authorized by acts of Congress and administered by the IRS based on tax return information. Payments were automatic for most eligible people based on income and filing status.
There are no current federal stimulus payments scheduled for 2025 or 2026 unless new legislation is enacted. Claims that new checks are being sent without congressional authorization are false.
How the IRS Officially Contacts Taxpayers
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a specific process for reaching out to taxpayers. According to official guidance, the IRS generally sends a letter or notice by U.S. mail first before any phone calls or other contact about your tax account. The agency usually does not initiate communication by email, text message, or social media.
The IRS may send a mailed notice to notify you about:
- A change to your tax return
- A tax refund or additional tax due
- Verification of identity or documentation requests
After a mailed notice, an IRS agent may call you to follow up, but only after you have received that official letter or notice.
The IRS does not leave threatening voice messages, demand immediate payment, or use pre‑paid cards as a payment method.
Common Red Flags of a Scam
Scammers often use tactics that seem urgent or official but are designed to trick you into revealing personal or financial information. Common warning signs include:
- Emails or texts that appear from the IRS asking you to click a link to claim a stimulus check or tax refund. The IRS does not initiate email or text contact without prior consent.
- Social media messages claiming you must act to receive a payment. Government agencies do not contact individuals via direct messages on social platforms.
- Phone calls threatening arrest or urgent payment demands. Official IRS communications never use threats to force you to act.
- Requests for immediate payment via gift cards or pre‑paid cards. The IRS will not ask for payment this way.
- Links that lead to websites that are not irs.gov or other official U.S. government domains.
Scammers often use phishing emails that look similar to real IRS branding. They may include small changes to URLs or slight spelling differences to appear legitimate.
Always check the web address carefully and avoid clicking on links from unexpected or unsolicited messages.
How to Verify an IRS Notice
If you receive a mailed notice that you are unsure about, you can:
- Log in to your IRS Online Account to check whether the notice appears there.
- Review official IRS letters and notices to compare formats and reference numbers.
- Contact IRS customer service directly to confirm the authenticity of the notice.
The IRS provides detailed explanations of common notices and what they mean on its Understanding Your IRS Notice or Letter page.
Using these official tools helps confirm whether the communication you received is legitimate.
What the IRS Does Not Do
According to the IRS:
- The agency does not text or email you first about refunds, stimulus payments, or tax issues.
- The IRS will not call or email you to verify personal information to issue a refund.
- The IRS will not use social media to notify you about payments.
- You will not be required to pay a fee or provide banking information to receive federal stimulus or refund payments.
How to Report Scams
If you receive a suspicious email, text, phone call, or social media message claiming to be from the IRS:
- Do not reply, click on links, or provide information.
- Report phishing emails to phishing@irs.gov.
- In text message cases, forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) to help wireless providers block similar scams.
- Report fraudulent IRS calls or notices to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
The IRS also encourages reporting scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission and your state attorney general.
Why Scams Persist
Scammers exploit major federal programs such as economic impact payments to convince people that they can receive money if they act quickly.
Rumors about new stimulus checks often spread misinformation, and scammers attach those rumors to their schemes to add urgency and credibility.
Staying informed through official government sources helps you avoid falling for these tactics.
