In June 2024, Google searches showed a significant rise in interest regarding a particular topic: the alleged issuance of $8,700 stimulus checks by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service IRS.
The news, which sparked curiosity and hope among many, claimed that American citizens meeting specific criteria could benefit from this substantial sum through the official IRS website.
Origin and evolution of the IRS Stimulus Check Rumor
The rumor started to spread widely online after the phrase “irs $8700 stimulus check irs gov” became a trending search term on Google. According to the rumor, the IRS was supposedly distributing economic stimulus checks worth $8,700 through its web portal.
This information reminded many of the COVID-19 economic impact payments and the child tax credit payments issued in 2020 and 2021, also managed by the IRS. Those legitimate measures had been a direct response to the economic crisis triggered by the global pandemic.
However, it is crucial to clarify that the information circulating in 2024 about new economic stimulus checks is entirely false.
If this news were true, it would have been widely reported by major news outlets, given the significant impact such payments would have on the economy and the lives of American citizens.
After an exhaustive search through reliable sources, no evidence was found to support the issuance of such checks in that year.
The IRS’s response to false claims
In response to the spread of this false rumor, the fact-checking website Snopes reached out directly to the IRS for clarification. Robert Marvin, a media relations specialist at the IRS, reiterated a warning issued in a press release from July 2023. The release cautioned about scams involving text messages and emails that exploit the real economic payments made in 2020 and 2021.
The statement highlighted: “Although the stimulus payments ended long ago, related schemes have evolved and changed, as scammers look for new ways to adjust their messages to deceive people.”
The phenomenon of online scams
It’s unclear why the $8,700 check rumor specifically emerged, but it’s not the first time false promises of easy money have gained traction online.
In previous instances, similar claims of free money for Americans originated from paid advertisements on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and various websites.
These ads often alleged that figures or governmental entities such as the President of the United States, Congress, or the IRS had approved or were distributing funds or checks as stimuli, grants, incentives, or benefits.
Those who clicked on these ads were redirected to non-governmental websites, where they were asked to fill out surveys under the pretense of qualifying for various services aimed at homeowners, seniors, or other consumer groups. Depending on the ad, the objectives behind these false promotions could include collecting referral fees or harvesting users’ data.
Legitimate assistance programs
The U.S. government, through its portal USA.gov, clearly warns that it does not offer free money or grants for personal needs. Citizens seeking legitimate federal assistance programs can find reliable and official information on this portal.
This platform provides direct access to validated and safe services and support programs for consumers.
In June 2024, a surge of interest on Google revolved around an intriguing topic: the alleged issuance of $8,700 stimulus checks by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This rumor, which captivated the attention and hope of many, suggested that eligible American citizens could receive this substantial amount through the IRS’s official website.
The rumor began gaining traction online after the phrase “irs $8700 stimulus check irs gov” became a top trending search term on Google. The claim was that the IRS was distributing economic stimulus checks worth $8,700 via its web portal.
This piece of information evoked memories of the COVID-19 economic impact payments and the child tax credit payments made in 2020 and 2021, also managed by the IRS. Those legitimate measures had been direct responses to the economic turmoil caused by the global pandemic.
However, it is essential to emphasize that the information circulating in 2024 about new economic stimulus checks is completely false. If this news were genuine, it would have been extensively reported by major media outlets, given the significant impact such payments would have on the economy and the lives of American citizens.
After a thorough search through credible sources, no evidence was found to support the issuance of such checks in that year.
The IRS’s Response to false claims
In response to the spread of this false rumor, the fact-checking website Snopes contacted the IRS directly for clarification. Robert Marvin, a media relations specialist at the IRS, reiterated a warning issued in a press release from July 2023. The release warned about scams involving text messages and emails that exploit the real economic payments made in 2020 and 2021.
The statement highlighted: “Although the stimulus payments ended long ago, related schemes have evolved and changed, as scammers look for new ways to adjust their messages to deceive people.”
