The Rumor That Won’t Die
If your phone blew up this weekend with texts about a “$1,200 federal check” hitting banks in November, you’re not alone. Over 50 million Americans saw the same viral posts on TikTok, Facebook, and X promising a surprise deposit labeled “IRS TREAS 1200 RELIEF.” The posts looked official—complete with fake IRS logos and countdown clocks. By Monday morning, #1200Stimulus was trending in every state from California to Maine.
Here’s the cold water: There is NO $1,200 federal payment scheduled for November 2025. The IRS, U.S. Treasury, and Social Security Administration have all posted banners on their homepages: “No new Economic Impact Payments are authorized.” The rumor started when someone photoshopped an old 2021 stimulus letter, swapped the amount, and added “2025.” Fact-checkers at Snopes, PolitiFact, and the AP shut it down within hours.
But the confusion is understandable. Real money is landing in November—state rebates, VA cost-of-living bumps, and back-pay for 1 million people who missed the 2021 stimulus. Let’s separate fact from fiction so you know exactly what to watch for.
What the IRS Is Actually Sending
The only federal checks going out right now are catch-up payments for the old Recovery Rebate Credit. If you never claimed your third stimulus ($1,400 per person) on a 2021 return, the IRS found you anyway.
- Amount: Up to $1,400 per adult + $1,400 per dependent
- Who qualifies: 1 million taxpayers the IRS identified automatically
- November wave: Deposits labeled “IRS TREAS 310” hit Nov 12–18
- Paper checks: Mailed Nov 20, arrive by Thanksgiving
If your bank shows $1,200 instead of $1,400, it’s because you already got a partial payment years ago. Log into IRS.gov → Where’s My Refund? with your SSN to see the exact breakdown. No action needed—the money is already on the way.
State Rebates That Feel Federal
Three states are mailing checks that scammers are calling “federal.” Here’s the real deal:
- Virginia Tax Rebate
- $200 single / $400 joint
- Direct deposit: Nov 10–15
- Paper checks: Nov 20–30
- 3.2 million filers auto-qualified
- Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate
- Up to $1,000 for seniors & disabled
- Expanded in 2025—first checks Nov 18
- Colorado TABOR Refund
- $800 single / $1,600 joint
- Hits as “advance refund” on Nov 25 paychecks
If you filed 2024 taxes in any of these states, the money is coming—no application required.
November Money Calendar
Mark these legit deposit dates:
- Nov 3: Social Security (3rd-of-month group)
- Nov 12: VA 2.5% COLA increase (first bumped check)
- Nov 12–18: IRS catch-up stimulus ($1,400 max)
- Nov 15: Virginia rebate direct deposits
- Nov 18: Pennsylvania senior rebates
- Nov 20: IRS paper checks mailed
- Nov 25: Colorado TABOR advance refunds
- Nov 26: SSI (December payment early—Nov 1 is Saturday)
Pro tip: Turn on text alerts from your bank. Scammers can’t fake the official “IRS TREAS 310” or “VA BENEFIT” descriptor.
Who’s Really Getting $1,200-ish
These groups see four-figure deposits this month:
★ 1 million forgotten stimulus families → $1,200–$5,600
★ Virginia married couples → $400 rebate + possible $800 state refund
★ PA seniors on fixed income → $650–$1,000 rebate
★ Dual SSI + SSDI recipients → Two full checks (up to $1,934 total) because of the calendar quirk
How to Spot the Scam
Real IRS money NEVER comes with these red flags:
- Texts demanding you “verify” by clicking a link
- Voicemails threatening arrest unless you pay in gift cards
- Emails with attachments or “update banking info” buttons
- Deposits labeled “FED RELIEF 1200” (fake descriptor)
The IRS contacts you by mail only. Forward suspect texts to phishing@irs.gov.
What to Do If You Already Clicked
- Freeze your bank account—call the number on the back of your card.
- Place a fraud alert at Equifax, Experian, TransUnion (one call does all three).
- File a report at ic3.gov.
- Monitor IRS.gov/account for unauthorized transcripts.
The Closest Thing to a New Stimulus
Congress is debating two bills that could become real money:
- American Worker Rebate Act → $600 per adult, $2,400 per family of four, funded by tariffs
- Senior Citizens Relief Act → $1,200 one-time boost for Social Security recipients
Neither has passed. If they do, payments wouldn’t start until 2026. Follow Congress.gov and set alerts for bill numbers S.127 and H.R.489.
Conclusion
November 2025 is flush with cash but it’s coming from state treasuries and IRS cleanup crews, not a magical $1,200 federal windfall. Check your actual bank on Nov 12; if $1,400 lands, congratulations you’re one of the million the IRS finally found. If not, enjoy Virginia’s $400, Pennsylvania’s $1,000, or Colorado’s $800. Delete the viral post, warn your group chat, and breathe easy knowing the only surprise deposit this month is one you already earned. Stay vigilant, spend smart, and let the real checks clear before the turkey’s on the table.