The COVID-19 pandemic has been an open door for scammers to try and take advantage of people, but a recent mailing many Iowans have received has been confirmed to be legitimate.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says many people, including elderly individuals, have been receiving economic impact payments on prepaid debit cards. He assures people that these are, in fact, their stimulus payments from the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Miller says the cards have been issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, and are safe to activate and use. He admits the mailing itself doesn’t entirely look legitimate, as the cards arrive in plain white envelopes from “Money Network Cardholder Services.” However, he emphasizes that people shouldn’t throw the mail away as it contains their stimulus card as well as important information on activation, fees, and a note from the Treasury Department.

Miller notes the activation process will require confirmation of social security number, but he says that’s to ensure the card was delivered to the right person and doesn’t pose an identity theft threat. The cards were issued to individuals who were unable to utilize direct deposit through the IRS for their stimulus check. Anyone with questions or concerns can click the link below for more information.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/economic-impact-payment-prepaid-card/