No, FEMA isn’t giving Americans $1,000
Just before the July 15 tax deadline, a hoax disguised as good news started spreading on social media. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to Facebook posts, was giving Americans another grand.
“Everyone including essential workers will be compensated $1,000,” read one such post using FEMA’s logo. “The money will be available to you in 5-7 business days. Thank me later! Click the link to sign up.”
The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
That’s because the link you’re supposed to click to sign up leads to an image of a gorilla flipping off the camera.
FEMA isn’t providing assistance to individuals and families affected by the coronavirus, according to its website.
Misinformation about the coronavirus has been pervasive during the pandemic. FEMA has a page dedicated to “coronavirus rumor control” debunking several other wrong claims.
We rate this post Pants on Fire!
Our Sources
Facebook post, July 14, 2020
Washington Post, Americans are very likely to get $1,000 (or more checks). Here’s what you need to know, March 17, 2020
FEMA, Individual disaster assistance, visited July 15, 2020
FEMA, Coronavirus rumor control, visited July 15, 2020
