Gephardt: Confusion Has Some Trashing Their Stimulus Money
Jun 3, 2020, 7:30 PM | Updated: 9:04 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Many people’s stimulus checks were directly deposited into their bank account while others got a paper check from the IRS, which came in clearly identifiable envelopes showing they were from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
But according to AARP, there is another way people are getting their stimulus money, and it’s creating a problem.
The IRS is sending out some payments by prepaid debit card in a plain envelope. Kathy Stokes, AARP’s director of Fraud Prevention Programs, said people are mistaking it for junk mail.
“They think it’s a scam and they discard it, when in fact, this is the actual economic impact payment for four million people,” she said.
The IRS confirmed that some stimulus money is coming via prepaid debit card.
“If you receive an Economic Impact Payment Card, it will arrive in a plain envelope from ‘Money Network Cardholder Services,’” The IRS said. “The Visa name will appear on the front of the card. The back of the card has the name of the issuing bank, MetaBank.”
If you tossed out the card or you shredded it because you didn’t think it was official, you have recourse. You can call the bank at 1-800-240-8100. Explain that you threw away the card not knowing what it was. They will deactivate the card they sent you and activate a new card within seven to 10 days.
More information can be found at EIPcard.com.
