$697 Direct Deposit Checks: Are the “$697 Direct Deposit Checks” in October 2025 Real? Let’s Talk About It.
If you’ve been scrolling through Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube lately, you’ve probably stumbled on some post claiming that “$697 direct deposits are coming to every American this October.” Some even show screenshots of supposed IRS emails or fake bank transactions.
Honestly, it sounds great — who wouldn’t want a surprise few hundred bucks showing up in their account?
But, as usual, things aren’t quite that simple.
So, let’s slow down for a second and unpack what’s actually going on — where this rumor started, why it’s spreading so fast, and how to tell the difference between a real government payment and, well, another internet myth.
The Short Answer: No, These $697 Payments Aren’t Real
Let’s get straight to the point — there’s no official $697 payment coming in October 2025.
Not from the IRS, not from Social Security, and not from the U.S. Treasury.
This whole “direct deposit” thing seems to be just another round of online misinformation, likely started by a few low-credibility blogs and boosted by social media algorithms that love anything that sounds urgent or hopeful.
And look — if you believed it for a minute, don’t feel bad. These posts are crafted really well. They often use familiar logos, government-sounding phrases, and official-looking charts to make it feel real.
Still, the reality is simple: if it’s not on a .gov site, it’s not happening.
Where Did This Rumor Even Come From?
The $697 rumor first started popping up in late September 2025. A handful of websites began publishing stories claiming a “new stimulus payment” would be sent out in October to help with inflation.
None of them linked to actual government sources, of course.
Instead, they’d say things like “the IRS has hinted at a new relief program” — vague, confident-sounding lines that mean absolutely nothing.
Then, a few creators on TikTok and YouTube picked it up. You know the type of video — dramatic thumbnail, red arrows pointing to fake bank balances, and a title like “$697 Checks Dropping October 1st! Check Your Bank NOW!”
It doesn’t take long for a few thousand shares to turn a random rumor into “news.”
How Real Federal Payments Actually Work
The U.S. government doesn’t just wake up one morning and start sending money to everyone.
There’s a clear, legal process — and it’s slow, very public, and heavily documented.
Here’s roughly how it goes:
- Congress passes a bill authorizing payments (like the CARES Act or the American Rescue Plan).
- The President signs it into law.
- The IRS announces it officially on their website — and yes, always on a
.govpage. - Major news outlets report it, often with quotes from Treasury officials.
- Finally, payments roll out, labeled something like “IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF” on your bank statement.
If those steps haven’t happened, there’s no payment. It’s really that simple.
Real Stimulus vs. Fake News: A Quick Comparison
| Program Name | Year(s) | Average Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARES Act Stimulus | 2020 | $1,200 ($2,400 for couples) | COVID relief passed by Congress |
| American Rescue Plan | 2021 | $1,400 per person | Pandemic recovery aid |
| Child Tax Credit Advance | 2021 | $250–$300 per child/month | Monthly federal payments |
| State Relief Rebates | 2022–2023 | $250–$1,050 | State-level inflation aid |
| “$697 Direct Deposit” Claim | 2025 | $697 (unverified) | No law, no approval, no source |
So yeah — the last one sticks out for obvious reasons.
How to Check If a Payment Is Real
Even though this specific rumor isn’t real, it’s still worth knowing how to verify legitimate payments.
Here are a few good habits to keep:
- Go straight to the source.
Always check irs.gov or ssa.gov. If the payment is real, those sites will say so before anyone else. - Use the “Get My Payment” tool.
During past stimulus rounds, the IRS had a tracker that let you see the status of your payment — safely and directly. - Keep your taxes current.
The IRS uses your latest tax info to decide eligibility for relief programs. Even a simple return helps keep your details in the system. - Update your direct deposit info.
Outdated bank accounts often lead to delays or lost checks. - Protect your personal data.
Never fill out forms on random websites that claim to “help you claim your stimulus.”
The government doesn’t text you, DM you, or email you about payments. Ever.
Why So Many People Fall for These Rumors
It’s easy to see why.
Prices are still high. Groceries, rent, energy — everything feels heavier than it did a few years ago. And when a post promises “relief,” even a small one, people want to believe it.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has stayed around 3.6% in 2025. That may not sound terrible on paper, but in daily life, it adds up fast.
Scammers understand that emotional pressure. They mix small truths (like real 2020–2021 payments) with new claims to make the story believable. Then social media does the rest — pushing content that sparks hope or fear.
Spotting a Scam: Quick Red Flags
If you see another post like this, here’s what should instantly raise suspicion:
- It’s not from a
.govdomain. - It asks for your SSN or bank info.
- It sounds urgent: “Apply NOW or miss out!”
- The amount is oddly specific ($697, not $700).
- It promises approval for everyone, no matter what.
Whenever you see those signs — just close the tab. Or, better yet, report it.
What Experts Are Saying
Tax experts and financial advisors all say the same thing: pause before reacting.
Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA who writes for TurboTax, puts it well:
“If you see a claim about a new stimulus payment, double-check the IRS newsroom or trusted media before doing anything. The government doesn’t charge fees or ask for personal details to send relief money.”
And the Better Business Bureau even issued alerts last year about fake IRS calls offering “deposit verification.” Thousands of people lost money — not because they were careless, but because these scams are that convincing.
Bottom Line
So, are $697 checks coming this October?
No. Not a chance.
But this whole situation is a good reminder to stay cautious — and hopeful, but with your eyes open.
If the government ever announces another relief payment, you won’t have to hunt for proof on social media. Every major news outlet will cover it, and it’ll be on IRS.gov within hours. Until then, treat every “too good to be true” post exactly as that — too good to be true.