How to get legit info on stimulus checks
The one-time stimulus checks which are part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes direct payments to most Americans. Checks are starting to arrive and I received mine on April 15.
Here are a few things to know about the checks. A Social Security number is required to receive a payment. Nonresident aliens and those who can be claimed on someone else’s tax return as a dependent, and estates or trusts are all excluded from the payment.
There is also an earnings threshold based on adjusted gross income. To get the full amount, your adjusted gross income on your 2019 tax return (or 2018, if you haven’t already filed for 2019) must not exceed $75,000 for individuals, $112,500 for Head of Household and $150,000 for married couples.
You will receive $1,200 per adult and if you have dependents that are on your tax return you’ll receive $500 per child. If you make too much money to receive the full amount, you may still receive a smaller check. Reduced stimulus payments will go out to individuals who make up to $99,000 and married couples who make up to $198,000.
If you don’t have direct deposit set up with the IRS or have changed banks, you can use the government’s new “Get My Payment” tool: https://bit.ly/3cJ0fJH
This website also gives you the ability to check the status of your payment and answer other questions about the program.
The money you receive from the CARES Act is not considered income, so you won’t owe any taxes on it. There’s no need to sign up for anything since the government will determine your payment eligibility based on your tax returns or Social Security benefit statement.
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AVOID THIS TEXT SCAM: Can you imagine getting a text that reads, “Someone who came into contact with you tested positive or has shown symptoms for COVID-19 and recommends you self-isolate/get tested”? Then there is a link for you to click on for more information.
Do not fall for this scam and do not click on the link. This is a gateway for crooks to access your personal information so be vigilant against all threats right now. If you have any questions about the coronavirus, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site for the latest information.
There are a number of scams going on right now including texts offering testing kits, bogus treatment for the coronavirus or money from the government. The FCC is telling everyone to never share personal information or financial information via email, text or on the phone.
Also watch for friend or family text messages that seem out of character. Call them first to check out if they really sent you the message. Remember, the government never asks for money or personal information via text message.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, you can file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.
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NO, THAT’S NOT VISA: A Coeur d’Alene reader called to warn about a recorded phone message she’d received, supposedly from her “Visa” company. The pre-recorded message came from an 802 (Vermont) area code and said that her Visa card had been charged $752 for an Amazon purchase and that if this wasn’t correct she needed to call the number back right away.
There were a couple of red flags with this call: 1. The caller never identified which Visa company was calling, and 2. The charge came from Amazon. Scammers tend to leave these kinds of generic messages because according to the law of averages, most of us probably have at least one Visa card and most of us have shopped Amazon for some product.
The idea is to get the consumer concerned enough to return the call so the scammer can speak with you and get you to give them your personal information. That includes your Visa card number because they’re likely to offer you a “credit” on your account for the bogus charge.
Don’t fall for it. Just hang up and check any possible charges directly with your Visa card company.
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Remember: I’m on your side.
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If you have encountered a consumer issue that you have questions about or think our readers should know about, please send me an email at terridickersonadvocate@gmail.com or call me at 208-274-4458. As The CDA Press Consumer Gal, I’m here to help. I’m a copywriter working with businesses on marketing strategy, a columnist, a veterans advocate assistant and a consumer advocate living in Coeur d’Alene.