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Millions of Americans receive stimulus payments in bank accounts

Some saw stimulus payment money in their bank accounts while others struggled with the IRS website.

SAN DIEGO — Move over "Tax Day," April 15 became payday for millions of Americans who received a stimulus check. 

While there has been excitement for the $1,200, there has also been frustration from millions of Americans who have struggled to track their check on the IRS website.

"This morning I woke up and went straight to my account, and yay, there's the money,” said News 8 photojournalist Mike Edison.

The government started issuing the one-time payments to most adults earning less than $75,000, give them $1,200, while married couples who made up to $150,000 can expect to get $2,400. 

Parents can also get $500 per child.

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The checks are being directly deposited into bank accounts or mailed to households, depending on how you've filed your taxes in 2018 or 2019.

Eligible retirees, social security recipients, those on disability, receiving veterans benefits or those who have no income will also receive payments automatically, but not those who are claimed as dependents on tax returns or anyone who does not have a social security number.

Frustrations were high, though, for many checking their status on the IRS website

Clicking the "Get my payment" tab, many saw the prompt "Please wait, due to high demand, you might have to wait longer than usual.” Others also got these notifications: "Payment Status Not Available" and "Need More information."

The IRS site states those notifications could be due to it needing updated bank information or is waiting for the individual’s 2019 taxes to be processed.

With taxes now due on July 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and because of stay-at-home orders, people are receiving more emails by the minute, and more scams are arising.

"These schemes are going to come out of the woodwork now," said United States Attorney Josh Minkler.

Kathy Enstrom, a spokesperson for the IRS said: "Do not give out personal information even if someone claims it's necessary to get the check."

If you haven't received a stimulus check, be patient, and check the IRS site, but don’t keep trying to input your info too many times or you could get locked out of the IRS website for 24 hours.

Checks will be deposited and mailed over the next several weeks.

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