I got an EIP card in the mail...is this a scam?

[BigmanPigman]

I was supposed to get a $600 2nd payment mailed on Jan., 6th (day of the DC riots). I called and called the IRS phone number when a letter arrived saying I should get a check in the mail or direct deposit(which I don't do) and I didn't as of last Thurs. I finally was allowed to speak with a person at the IRS after 1 1/2 hours. She told me they'll put a trace on the check but can't cancel the original and issue a new one. I will either get a new check or a packet of forms to fill out within 4 weeks.

Now today I just got my mail and I got an "Economic Impact Card enabled by Money Network" which I don't know what it is, or is it legit and how do I use it? Is this the $600 I was told would be in the form of a check? I need to call a number to activate it but I am nervous about govt scams I have heard about. Wouldn't the IRS employee, who never mentioned payment in card form, have said that instead of saying it was in the form a "check"? My original $1,200 was received that last year in the mail in the form of a check.

[Kali]

1. it won't hurt to call the 800 number to start the activation

or you can just sent it to me, I will let you know if it is for 600 or 1400.

[northlake9]

2. Real

I got check for first stimulus, EIP for second and Direct Deposit for the third. You can transfer the funds from the EIP to your bank account.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Same here. nt

[BigmanPigman]

6. Thanks, I feel better now.

[babylonsister]

3. This might help...

Debit card with stimulus money isn’t a scam, but it can lead to them
Here’s how to tell whether a prepaid card is real — and avoid falling victim to scammers.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/sponsor-story/aarp/2020/06/17/debit-card-stimulus-money-isnt-scam-but-can-lead-them/3191083001/

[BigmanPigman]

10. Very helpful, I'm saving this.

[PoliticAverse]

5. SEE...

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/millions-of-people-will-get-their-economic-impact-payment-by-prepaid-debit-card

Nearly four million people are being sent their Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card, instead of paper check. The determination of which taxpayers receive a debit card was made by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, another part of the Treasury Department that works with the IRS to handle distribution of the payments.

These Economic Impact Payment Cards arrive in a plain envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services. 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. Information included with the card will explain that the card is an Economic Impact Payment Card.

Those who receive Economic Impact Payment by prepaid debit card can do the following without any fees.

Make purchases online and at any retail location where Visa is accepted
Get cash from in-network ATMs
Transfer funds to their personal bank account
Check their card balance online, by mobile app, or by phone

This free, prepaid card also provides consumer protections available to traditional bank account owners, including protection against fraud, loss, and other errors.

The card will come with instructions on how to activate and use it. Learn more at www.eipcard.com.

[BigmanPigman]

8. Yes, that's what I am talking about.

The IRS lady should have known that and told me. I wonder why the IRS is doing so many different types of payments (direct dep., cards, check in mail, etc).

[dsc]

7. you should be able to see the format they used to send you payment

I just checked mine to make sure I remembered correctly, and it did say my money was deposited which is what happened.

[MacKasey]

9. I googled money network and found the following links

https://www.eipcard.com

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/more-economic-impact-payments-set-for-disbursement-in-coming-days-taxpayers-should-watch-mail-for-paper-checks-debit-cards

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

Can someone else verify

Thanks

[BigmanPigman]

11. That's it exactly.

It even looks fake (to me anyway).

[ampm]

12. Nevada checking in

I got one called and got it activated and then took it to the bank and deposited

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

13. While I have gotten all three stimulus payments as a direct deposit,

lucky me, I don't think I'd turn down an EIP card. It's money you can use, which is the essential point.

[BigmanPigman]

15. I am grateful. I just didn't expect it.

In CA everything costs a lot so this will come in handy.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

14. , I never got the 600 buck

Payment. Got the 1,200. Still waiting on the 1,400.

[BigmanPigman]

16. This was a surprise to me.

Maybe that is why I am suspicious.