Isn't That Rich Podcast

Tariff Checks, “Free Money,” and the Scam Surge Already Starting

Recent headlines have suggested that Americans could potentially receive a $2,000 payment tied to tariff revenues sometime next year. Whether this idea becomes reality is completely unknown at this point. What is certain, however, is that the moment talk of “free money” begins circulating, scammers start preparing—often faster than the government, faster than banks, and faster than the public can react.

If a tariff-related payment ever moves forward—or even if the idea fizzles out entirely—fraudsters will still use the rumor itself as bait. Understanding how they operate, how government payments actually work, and how to protect your information can prevent major financial damage.

What 2020 Taught the Country About Fraud

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when stimulus checks were released nationwide, the United States saw one of the largest fraud waves in its history. People were juggling job losses, uncertainty, and financial stress. Criminals took advantage of the chaos and impersonated the IRS, built look-alike government websites, sent out deceptive emails and text messages, claimed other people’s stimulus checks through fake tax returns, and harvested personal information from individuals who were simply trying to receive the money they were promised.

Fraudsters knew exactly how to target people who were overwhelmed and hopeful. That same pattern will repeat itself if another large-scale payment program—even a rumored one—enters the public conversation.

Why Scammers Succeed: A Digital World and an Old-School Government

One of the biggest reasons fraud spreads quickly is the disconnect between how people handle money today and how the government actually distributes funds. Most daily transactions happen instantly through Venmo, Cash App, Zelle, or online bill pay. People receive text reminders for nearly everything—doctor appointments, package deliveries, flight updates, loan payments, and more. Because of that, many assume the government must operate the same way.

But it doesn’t. Government payments still move through slow, traditional channels. That gap in expectation gives scammers the perfect opening. If someone receives a text message claiming to be from the IRS with a link to “verify” bank information, it can feel believable simply because texting has become the norm everywhere else in life. That misconception is exactly what criminals rely on.

How Government Payments Are Actually Distributed

If any kind of tariff-related payment ever becomes real, the government will only use three methods to send it out. The first is direct deposit into the bank account already on file with an individual's tax return. Nothing about this method requires updating account information via text or email, clicking on links, or entering login credentials. The second method is a paper check sent through the U.S. Postal Service from the U.S. Treasury—never through FedEx or UPS, never through a private company. The third is a prepaid debit card, similar to what some households received in 2020. These cards arrive in the mail already loaded with funds and do not require linking to a bank account.

Anything outside of these three methods should be treated as suspicious. No legitimate government agency will ask for bank usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers through text message, or online banking verification codes.

The Scams That Will Show Up First

Scammers move with remarkable speed. As soon as talk of a $2,000 tariff check began circulating, fraud attempts began ramping up—even though no program has been approved. Today’s scammers use AI to build convincing websites, generate fake customer comments, clone voices, and send messages that look indistinguishable from legitimate communication.

Digital scams will appear in the form of texts claiming to be from the IRS, emails with buttons inviting people to “claim your payment,” and websites designed to look exactly like government portals. Advertisements on social media may claim to track the projected arrival of a payment. Fraudulent apps may appear, encouraging users to input bank account information to check their “status” or fix a supposed “processing error.”

Phone scams will also escalate, and these often feel more personal. With voice-cloning technology, criminals can replicate the voices of financial advisers, family members, or local professionals. A call that sounds familiar can easily convince someone to provide sensitive information or react quickly without pausing to verify. The caller may claim that a deposit failed, that the government is trying to reach the recipient, or that immediate action is required to avoid losing the payment.

Physical scams also become more common when checks are involved. Mailbox theft increases whenever government payments are sent through the mail, and scammers have historically used official-looking letters to demand small “processing fees” before releasing funds. Even a fee of $5 or $10 is enough to hook someone who is anxious to receive money.

Investment scams follow closely behind. Promises of doubling a tariff check or growing the money through a special program are common tactics used to lure victims. These schemes often appear polished and persuasive, especially when paired with fake testimonials.

The Most Effective Way to Stay Safe

Staying safe begins with a simple mindset shift: legitimate information should always be sought out, not received unsolicited. Anyone who receives a text message, direct message, pop-up, phone call, or email claiming that action is required to receive government money should immediately pause. Real information about government payments will be published on official websites and shared through trusted news outlets, not pushed through random messages.

Slowing down is one of the strongest defenses. Scammers rely on excitement, adrenaline, fear, or urgency to push people into acting without thinking. Taking a moment to verify details—by visiting the official IRS website, contacting a bank directly, or calling a known phone number—can shut down a scam before it starts.

It is also essential to avoid giving out any sensitive information through phone, text, or email. This includes Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, debit card details, online banking logins, and authentication codes. A legitimate government agency will never ask for these details through those channels.

Families should consider having open conversations about fraud, especially with relatives who may be less familiar with digital safety. Older adults and younger teens are frequent targets, simply because scammers assume they may not be staying as up-to-date on new tactics. Talking openly can prevent someone from making a rushed, costly mistake.

Finally, local banks and financial institutions often hear about emerging scams before they hit mainstream news. Calling a trusted bank directly is one of the most reliable ways to verify whether a message is legitimate or fraudulent.

The Bottom Line

The idea of a $2,000 tariff check captures attention quickly, and scammers know it. Even if no payment is ever approved, fraudulent messages will still appear—because the rumor alone is enough fuel for criminals to exploit. Fraud continues to rise year after year, and technology has only made scams more convincing.

Staying informed, slowing down, and verifying everything are the most powerful tools available. Government agencies will not reach out through text, phone calls, social media, or random emails to deliver money. Any message that claims otherwise should be treated with extreme caution.

Scammers will continue to evolve, but so can your awareness. Staying vigilant protects not only your own finances but also the safety of your family and community.