Marina
Lately, social media has been buzzing with claims that a new IRS stimulus payment will be deposited into Americans’ bank accounts this October 2025—some even say for $1,702.
But before you get your hopes up, here’s the truth: no new federal stimulus payments have been approved for this year. The IRS has officially clarified that there are no active or upcoming Economic Impact Payments in 2025.
The last legitimate stimulus-related credit was the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit, issued under the American Rescue Plan of 2021, and its final claim deadline passed on April 15, 2025.
Any post or message promising new stimulus money this month is misleading and could be a scam.
What’s Behind the $1,702 Rumor
The $1,702 amount circulating online actually refers to the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend, a state program, not a federal one.
The fund provides yearly payments to eligible Alaska residents using state oil and mineral revenue — and has nothing to do with the IRS or federal stimulus programs.
Unfortunately, scammers have used this number to create fake posts and phishing messages, misleading people into sharing personal information.
IRS Confirms No New Stimulus Payments
There are no approved stimulus checks or rebates being distributed nationwide in 2025. The IRS warns citizens not to fall for any websites, emails, or texts claiming to offer stimulus-related deposits.
While the IRS continues to issue refunds and past Recovery Rebate Credit adjustments for taxpayers who missed earlier claims, those are not new stimulus programs.
Common IRS-Related Scam Tactics
| Scam Method | Description | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Fake Emails & Texts | Messages claiming “Your IRS Stimulus is Ready – Verify Now” | Do not click links or reply; delete immediately. |
| Phony Checks | Counterfeit checks mailed with “IRS” logos asking for a verification call | Never cash or deposit these; report them to authorities. |
| Social Media Posts | Viral posts claiming “$1,702 Direct Deposit Coming in October” | Ignore and report false claims to platforms. |
| Personal Info Requests | Scammers posing as IRS agents requesting SSNs or bank details | The IRS never contacts taxpayers this way. |
How to Verify Legitimate IRS Payments
If you think you might have missed a legitimate refund or credit:
- Visit the official IRS.gov website and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
- Check your IRS Online Account for any pending payments.
- Never respond to unsolicited messages about IRS deposits or stimulus offers.
Remember, the IRS does not contact people through social media or text messages for payments.
What’s Still Available
While there’s no new stimulus, some Americans might still be eligible for:
- Tax refunds or unclaimed 2021 Recovery Rebate Credits
- State-level rebates or tax relief programs, which vary depending on your location
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC), if unclaimed
As of October 2025, there is no new IRS direct deposit stimulus coming to Americans. The $1,702 viral rumor stems from a state program in Alaska, not a national relief effort.
The IRS continues to remind taxpayers to stay vigilant, avoid sharing sensitive data, and rely only on official IRS channels.
Stay cautious—because in 2025, the only thing going viral faster than misinformation is the scam behind it.
FAQs
Will there be another federal stimulus in 2025?
No, there are no approved federal stimulus programs this year. Any claim suggesting otherwise is false.
What was the last official stimulus payment?
The last federal payment was the $1,400 Recovery Rebate Credit from 2021, with the final claim deadline in April 2025.
How can I report a suspected IRS scam?
You can report scams or phishing attempts directly through the IRS’s official fraud reporting page or call the IRS fraud hotline.