Unclaimed relief check scam call or text

What the message looks like

How this scam works

According to the BBB, the site you're sent to redirects to a page called 'My Cash Search' and asks for your ZIP code, phone number, email and home address. Then it pushes you to 'redeem' offers on outside sites. That lets the people behind it collect your details, flood you with spam and sign you up for unwanted services or charges. The BBB says some sites may also install harmful software.

The website names change. The BBB first saw the calls point to one site and later reported a twist where 'Dan' represents a slightly different site name. Many people who responded reported follow-up calls, texts and emails trying to get more money or information.

The story works because unclaimed money is real. USAGov explains that states hold most unclaimed money, such as forgotten bank accounts or insurance payouts, and that you search for it yourself through official databases. Nobody needs to call you about it, and USAGov notes the period to claim unpaid federal stimulus payments has ended.

Red flags

• An unexpected call, voicemail or text saying money was issued to you but never collected.
• Vague sources like 'past relief programs or federal assistance payments' instead of a named agency.
• A deadline to claim it 'before it's returned', or other urgent language the BBB flags as a warning sign.
• A website that isn't a .gov address and asks for your address, phone number and email before showing anything.
• Pages that push you to sign up for offers, surveys or trials to 'unlock' your money.

How to tell it’s fake

1. Search for unclaimed money yourself. Start at usa.gov/unclaimed-money, which links to your state's unclaimed property office and federal databases.
2. If a caller names an agency, look up that agency's contact information on its official website and call it. Don't use the website or number from the message.
3. Remember that official searches don't make you complete outside offers or pay a fee. If you're still unsure, ask a scam expert for a second opinion before you share anything.

What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info

Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.

If you clicked a link or called back

• If you visited the site but didn't enter anything, close it. Run your security software if anything downloaded.
• Block the number and expect follow-up calls and texts. Don't respond to them.

If you paid

• If you entered a card or paid for an 'offer' or fee, call your card company or bank using the number on your card, dispute the charge and ask about cancelling the card. Look for new subscriptions you didn't intend.

If you shared personal info, a password or a code

• If you shared your address, phone and email, expect more scam contact and be skeptical of anyone who 'follows up' on your claim.
• If you gave a Social Security number or bank details, contact your bank, consider a credit freeze and visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you

Scam Guard runs in Chrome and Edge on your computer, so it can't hear the voicemail. If you type the claim website into your browser, it checks the page and warns when an 'unclaimed money' site isn't a government site, asks for personal details up front or sends you through sign-up offers.

Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.

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Questions people ask

Could I really have unclaimed money?

Possibly. USAGov says states hold most unclaimed money, from sources like bank accounts and insurance policies. You can search your state's unclaimed property office and federal databases yourself, for free, through usa.gov/unclaimed-money.

Do government agencies call people about uncollected checks?

The BBB says government agencies will not call and tell you to visit a random website to claim money. If a caller names a program, contact that agency through its official website.

Is a stimulus check still waiting for me?

USAGov says the period to claim unpaid Economic Impact Payments has ended. A caller offering an uncollected stimulus or relief check today is a red flag.

Sources

• BBB Scam Alert: Fake relief check phone calls claim you have money waiting
• USAGov: How to find unclaimed money from the government