Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
Social media post about another stimulus check from the government is hoax
If Your Time is short
-
The post links to a picture of a gorilla making an obscene hand gesture
A social media post claimed that another stimulus bill was just passed, and the government will be giving out $2,500 checks at the end of July.
"And it passed 15 minutes ago," the July 15 post said, "WE GET ANOTHER STIMULUS CHECK FOR $2500 at July 30, 2021. We did it!!! The article below tells u what you need to do to receive it quicker and how to track it. I already filled out my form."
The post, which has since been deleted, then included a link. But click on it, and you found no information — just a visual insult in the form of a picture of a gorilla with his middle finger raised.
The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its news feed. (Read more about PolitiFact’s partnership with Facebook.)
It’s was a hoax.
Sign up for PolitiFact texts
The federal government in March began sending a third round of economic relief checks to Americans — up to $1,400 each — to help offset the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some lawmakers are pushing for a fourth round of direct payments, nothing has been decided.
In a press conference on June 3, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden is "open to a range of ideas" dealing with stimulus checks and his American Jobs and Families Plan. "But he’s also proposed what he thinks is going to be the most effective for the short term," she added.
Featured Fact-check
The $1,400 checks were part of the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in March. The federal government this month began issuing advance payments to families under an expanded child tax credit provision that was part of the same legislation.
The Facebook post said that stimulus checks will be given out by the end of the month and includes a link promising more information. The link goes to a page with a picture of a gorilla.
A fourth stimulus check is being considered, but it has not been implemented.
The post was a hoax. We rate its claim Pants on Fire!
Our Sources
Facebook post, July 15, 2021
The White House, Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki, June 3, 2021
CBS News, What’s behind the push for a fourth stimulus check, July 12, 2021
CBSN Philly, Fourth Stimulus Check: Will You Get Another Relief Payment, July 15, 2021
IRS, Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021, accessed July 15, 2021
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Kelsey Sena Tamakloe
Social media post about another stimulus check from the government is hoax
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.