BBB Tip: Economic Impact Payments Are Coming Via Mailed Debit Cards

 

The IRS and the Treasury Department are delivering second Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.

Many Americans already received their EIP either by direct deposit to their bank account or in the form of a mailed check. However, the debit cards are being sent to some consumers for whom the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) did not have bank account information on file. The Treasury announced the distribution of EIP Cards follows the millions of payments already made by direct deposit and the ongoing mailing of paper checks and are part of the Department of the Treasury’s and the IRS’s plan to deliver Economic Impact Payments as rapidly as possible.

Consumers who have not received payment should refer to the GetMyPayment site on IRS.gov for more information and remain vigilant to ensure that the card they receive is legitimate.

Tips on how to recognize a legitimate EIP card: 

  • EIP Cards are being sent in a white envelope with the U.S. Department of the Treasury seal.
  • The Visa® name will appear on the front of the card; the back of the card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank®, N.A.
  • The welcome kit explains more about the EIP card. Please go to EIPcard.com for more information and to see a sample image of the card.

Once the card has been verified:

  • Activate the card by calling the number provided, setting a 4-digit PIN
  • Sign the card.
  • Keep the card in a safe place.
  • Do not share the information on the card with anyone.
  • Use the card anywhere Visa cards are accepted and/or get cash back at a retailer or ATM. Note that most transactions are free, but certain uses could incur fees. For more questions, visit EIPcard.com/FAQ.

BBB warns that scammers may try to text, call or email you, trying to convince you to give up the card number or your personal information. Report any phishing or scam attempts to the IRS and file a report with BBB Scam Tracker to warn others not to fall for the scam.

If you have not received your Economic Impact Payment, you can track your funds using the Get My Payment tracking tool (https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment).

For more information, read BBB’s Tips on Economic Impact Payments.

See the latest coronavirus information at BBB.org/Coronavirus.

Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker.

 

Information courtesy of the Better Business Bureau

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