On December 3, a Facebook post (Archive Page) with a highly shared video purports that the U.S. government has authorized a $1,000 stimulus payment for each inhabitant, without any limitations.
The video’s narrator characterizes the purported payment as a “unprecedented move” meant to boost the economy right away. “Every U.S. resident qualifies, no exceptions,” they declare. To claim their money, users are instructed to “tap the link below” and complete a brief survey.
The video’s description says, “This new Giveback scheme won’t last.” Before it disappears forever, claim it today. In just two weeks, the post has been shared more than 200 times, which has helped to disseminate the false information.
Verified: There Is No Such Stimulus Payment
Our conclusion: Untrue
The assertions presented in the video are unsupported by any evidence. No such payment has been authorized by Congress, and the website that the post links to is not associated with the US government.
No New Payments for Stimulus Since 2021
No new legislation has been passed by federal politicians authorizing a $1,000 stimulus payment for every American citizen. Actually, the previous stimulus payment cycle took place almost three years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law in March 2021, which included the most recent stimulus payment. Individuals received $1,400, and married couples received $2,800.
Prior stimulus payment rounds took place during the first term of former President Donald Trump:
- A $1,200 payment was authorized in March 2020 for people making less than $75,000 per year.
- A second payment of $600 per person was made in December 2020.
Since then, neither the Treasury Department nor the IRS have announced any further direct assistance payments, nor has Congress approved any more.
Deceptive Website and Survey Methods
Under the pretense of entering a $1,000 “contest,” the Facebook post directs readers to a non-governmental website that asks for personal information. This is a warning sign. Instead of being given out through surveys or competitions, legitimate stimulus funds are given out according to qualifying requirements. Sharing private information on these websites could result in identity theft or other frauds.
Trump Video Removed from Its Context
film from a campaign rally in New Mexico on October 31 featuring former President Trump is used in the film. The post’s assertions are further undermined by the fact that he makes no reference to a new stimulus payment in his remarks at the occasion.
Defending Against False Information
To prevent falling for such frauds, keep in mind:
- Only official government announcements will be disseminated via approved means, such IRS or Treasury Department statements.
- Government websites always finish in.gov; stay away from links that take you to unreliable third-party websites.
- Claims that offer money rewards in return for survey participation or personal information should be avoided.
People can guard against false information and possible frauds by always alert and confirming information from reliable sources.
