Is There Really a Fourth Stimulus Check Available in 2025? Why You Should Be Wary of Stimulus Check Scams

In 2020 and 2021, millions of Americans received federal stimulus checks to help weather the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments—formally known as Economic Impact Payments—offered vital financial support at a time of widespread uncertainty and disruption. Since then, rumors have continued to swirl online about additional stimulus payments, often referred to as a “fourth stimulus check.”

As of May 2025, no fourth federal stimulus check has been authorized by Congress or announced by the IRS. Still, the internet is full of misleading headlines, viral posts, and scam messages that suggest otherwise. If you’ve seen a text, email, or social media post claiming you’re eligible for a new $2,000 or $1,400 check in 2025, there’s a good chance it’s a scam—or, at the very least, an outdated or misleading offer.

Let’s break down the facts, explore what’s really going on, and learn how to avoid becoming a victim of stimulus check scams.

The Truth About the “Fourth Stimulus Check” in 2025

To date, the federal government has issued three rounds of Economic Impact Payments:

1. First round: March 2020 – $1,200 per eligible adult
2. Second round: December 2020 – $600 per eligible adult
3. Third round: March 2021 – $1,400 per eligible adult

These checks were issued automatically to eligible taxpayers and were intended to provide emergency relief during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. Congress has not passed any new law authorizing a fourth round of direct stimulus payments in 2025. The IRS has also confirmed that no new stimulus payments are being distributed at this time.

Any claim that the federal government is sending out a new round of checks in 2025 is not supported by official sources.

What’s Fueling the Rumors?

There are a few reasons why so many people are still asking about a fourth stimulus check:

1. State-Level Payments: Some states have used leftover pandemic relief funds to issue their own tax rebates or “inflation relief” payments. These are often confused with federal stimulus checks. But these payments are not national, and eligibility varies based on state laws and budgets.

2. Tax Refund Confusion: Each year, many people receive tax refunds or credits such as the Recovery Rebate Credit if they didn’t receive their full third stimulus payment in 2021. This can create confusion—especially when media outlets report that “millions are receiving payments.”

3. Scammers Exploiting Uncertainty: Unfortunately, bad actors know that Americans are hungry for financial relief. They prey on confusion and hope, using spam emails, text messages, and fake websites to convince people they’re entitled to a new payment—often asking for sensitive personal information in return.

Economic Trends Fueling Stimulus Discussions

• Inflation – although inflation rates have cooled compared to previous years, many essential goods and services remain expensive for average households.
• Consumer Spending – retail data shows mixed signals, with some sectors slowing down. A dip in consumer spending could prompt leaders to consider new stimulus options
• Job Market – while unemployment remains low nationally, wage growth has not kept pace with cost-of -living increases in many areas. 

Common Stimulus Check Scams in 2025

Here are some of the most common scams making the rounds this year:

1. Text Message Scams: Messages claiming your $2,000 stimulus has been approved and linking to a fake website to steal your data.

2. Email Phishing Scams: Emails pretending to be from the IRS or other government agencies urging you to claim a fake stimulus payment.

3. Social Media Scams: Fake posts or videos on platforms like Facebook or TikTok claiming there’s a new stimulus bill or check being distributed.

4. Fake IRS Calls: Scammers posing as IRS agents may call and ask for your Social Security number or banking info under the pretense of verifying a check.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some ways to stay safe and avoid falling victim to a stimulus check scam:

✅ 1. Know the Source: Only trust information from official government websites like IRS.gov.

✅ 2. Never Share Personal Information: Don’t give out your Social Security number or banking information in unsolicited messages or calls.

✅ 3. Ignore “Too Good to Be True” Offers: Government payments are never distributed through text messages, and you’ll never be asked to pay to receive a stimulus check.

✅ 4. Report Suspicious Activity: Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov or file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Are There Any Benefits You Can Still Claim?

Yes. While a fourth stimulus check is not currently being issued, you might still be eligible for other federal or state benefits:

– Recovery Rebate Credit
– Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
– Child Tax Credit (CTC)
– SNAP, Medicaid, or Housing Assistance

Your local Department of Human Services or nonprofit aid organization can help you find out what you qualify for.

Conclusion

The idea of a fourth stimulus check is appealing—but as of now, it simply doesn’t exist. Any posts or messages claiming you can receive new government payments in 2025 are either misleading or outright scams. The IRS and Congress have issued no official notice of new direct payments.

If you’re struggling financially, there may be other programs available to help you—but be careful where you get your information. Always turn to trustworthy sources, and never give personal information to someone you don’t know or trust.

Being informed is your best protection. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

At Benefits.com, we are here to help you navigate the process and receive the benefits you deserve. Begin today by taking our free eligibility quiz.