Is the $1390 Stimulus Check a Hoax? IRS and Congress Make No Announcement Despite Social Media Rumours

Rumors of a $1,390 stimulus check have left many hopeful Americans scrolling social feeds for confirmation, but no federal body has announced such payments. Neither the IRS nor Congress has published any statement or legislation in support of the claim.

Amid the buzz, AI-generated images, memes and influencer posts are fueling confusion. Experts and officials urge caution, until the IRS or Congress confirms, the claim remains unverified, and the agency's website is the only reliable reference.

What is the Confusion About

The chatter began when images of official-looking IRS documents and screenshots circulated online, suggesting a new payment of $1,390 was being distributed. Many of these images appeared to be AI-generated, designed to mimic legitimate notices. Some users also referenced prior stimulus history to lend apparent credibility to the claims.

However, no press release from the IRS or legislation from Congress supports such a payment. Publications like Marca and Benzinga note a lack of confirmation from official sources, while warning that falsehoods persist unchecked on social media.

When Should the Public Be Wary

Rumors escalated in mid-August 2025, with posts claiming imminent payouts or encouraging people to check eligibility pages. The pace and tone of the rumors have grown faster than any formal federal announcement, which importantly has not occurred.

Where is Reliable Information Available

Only the IRS website and official government communications should be trusted. The IRS 'Newsroom' and 'Stimulus Payment' pages remain silent on any new $1,390 initiative.

Conversely, social media platforms continue to amplify questionable content, often distorting or fabricating sources.

Who Is Cautioning the Public

Tax professionals, financial advisers and media analysts have publicly debunked the claim, reaffirming that no federal agency has rolled out such a payment.

Commentary emphasizes that false information spreads faster than actual news, and that only official sites carry weight.

Why the Misleading Claims Take Off

Two key drivers: first, widespread public anxiety about rising costs of living; second, nostalgia for past stimulus checks, the combination makes people eager to believe in new relief, even without official backing.

AI-generated images of tax forms or IRS notices only add visual 'proof' to flimsy claims.

How Should You Respond

Financial advisers and tax professionals stress that the safest approach is to verify any stimulus claims through official channels. If you come across posts about a new $1,390 payment, start by checking the IRS website or trusted news outlets for confirmation. The IRS regularly updates its 'Emergency Payments' and 'Tax Credits stimulus' sections, which will reflect any genuine announcement.

It's important to remember that without a formal statement from the IRS or legislation passed by Congress, the rumor remains unverified. Experts also caution against sharing images or documents that appear 'official' but lack a credible source, as these can perpetuate misinformation and fuel false expectations.

Until the IRS or Congress steps forward with confirmation, the $1,390 stimulus claims remain in the realm of speculation. Staying informed via trusted channels is the only way to separate fact from fiction in our digital age.