Fake "unclaimed relief check" calls and texts

The Scam

According to the Better Business Bureau, callers, voicemails, or texts claim you may have thousands of dollars waiting in an uncollected "relief check" from past relief programs or federal assistance, and tell you to visit a website and search your name before the money is returned. BBB says the site doesn't lead to real government assistance; it asks for your ZIP code, phone number, email, and home address and then pushes you to outside offers, letting scammers collect your information, flood you with spam, and sign you up for unwanted services or charges. BBB says some sites may also install harmful software, and that BBB Scam Tracker has received over 900 reports, including a newer version pointing to a different website name.

The Targets

Anyone who gets the calls or texts, especially people who received past relief or federal assistance payments, according to BBB.

Red flags

• An unexpected call or text says a relief check is already issued in your name but uncollected
• You're told to visit a website and search your name to claim it
• Urgent language like "act now" or "before it's returned"
• The site asks for your address, phone, and email, then pushes you to other offers

Your Move

• Hang up. BBB says government agencies won't call and tell you to visit a random website to claim money
• Contact the agency directly using contact information from its official website
• Don't share your Social Security number, bank details, ID numbers, or address
• Call your bank if you shared payment details, and report it to BBB Scam Tracker and the FTC

More steps for any scam link: I clicked a scam link. What now?

Still circulating?

BBB published this warning Oct. 20, 2026 and updated it Oct. 26, 2026 with a new twist.