Some Americans are receiving inflation refund checks and ANCHOR property tax relief payments in October, but claims circulating online about a new federal “fourth stimulus check” in 2025 are false.

According to the Asbury Park Press, rumors on social media and some websites have suggested that Americans could receive a new stimulus check of $1,390, $1,702 or $2,000 this year. Those claims are false.

Congress and the Internal Revenue Service have not confirmed those claims, and the IRS has warned Americans to be cautious, as such updates could come from scammers or involve attempted fraud.

Speculation about a fourth stimulus check has circulated for months. Government officials have clarified the misinformation, confirming they will not issue additional payments. Blavity reported that in July, President Donald Trump hinted at the idea of sending tariff rebate checks to millions of Americans.

“We’re thinking about that actually,” Trump said at the time, according to USA Today. “We have so much money coming in, we’re thinking about a little rebate. But the big thing we want to do is pay down debt. But we’re thinking about a rebate.”

When were the past three stimulus checks sent to Americans?

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., later proposed another relief effort with the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025. He said the plan would provide payments similar to the pandemic stimulus checks: $600 per adult and dependent child, or $2,400 for a family of four, CNBC reported at the time. Congress has not yet approved the legislation.

The U.S. government had sent three stimulus checks to American households between 2020 and 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

First check (2020): Up to $1,200 per individual, $2,400 per couple, plus $500 per child under 17.

Second check (2021): Up to $600 per individual, $1,200 per couple, plus $600 per child under 17.

Third check (2021): $1,400 per eligible individual and dependent. The third check for the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit had a deadline to claim, which was April 15, 2025, per Blavity.

The tariff rebate checks and ANCHOR property relief payments, explained

Several states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Colorado and New Jersey, started sending their residents inflation relief checks or ANCHOR property tax relief payments. These funds are one-time payments to qualifying residents affected by high-inflation taxes.

The ANCHOR program provides property tax relief in New Jersey, offering up to $1,750 for homeowners 65 or older, up to $1,500 for homeowners under 65, up to $700 for renters 65 or older, and up to $450 for renters under 65, depending on eligibility, according to the Asbury Park Press.

New Jersey residents who have not yet applied can submit the online form, which expires Oct. 31.

The IRS recommends that Americans check their refund status by using the “Where’s My Refund” tool on its website. They can also call 800-829-1954 for more information.