$697 Direct Deposit Checks: If you’ve been scrolling through Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube lately, you’ve probably seen posts claiming that “$697 direct deposit checks” are coming to every American in October 2025. Some of these videos even show fake screenshots of bank deposits, IRS letters, or “official” emails. Sounds like easy money, right? Well — not so fast. Let’s break down what’s really happening, where this rumor started, and how to protect yourself from scams while still keeping an eye out for legitimate federal or state relief payments that could affect your finances.
$697 Direct Deposit Checks
The $697 direct deposit checks in October 2025 are not real. They’re just another wave of online misinformation designed to grab clicks and personal data. But don’t feel embarrassed if you believed it for a second — these rumors are crafted to sound official. The smart move is to stay informed, stay skeptical, and verify everything through government websites. Remember: if the IRS, SSA, or Congress hasn’t said it, it’s not happening.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | $697 Direct Deposit Checks (October 2025) |
| Official Status | No confirmation from the IRS, SSA, or U.S. Treasury |
| Claim Origin | Viral social media posts and clickbait blogs |
| Likely Confusion | Misunderstanding of prior stimulus programs or tax credits |
| Official Verification Site | https://www.irs.gov/ |
| Eligibility | No active program; eligibility not applicable |
| Important Tip | Check IRS and SSA.gov for verified payment updates only |
| Average Past Stimulus | $1,200–$1,400 during 2020–2021 federal relief rounds |
What Is the $697 Direct Deposit Checks Claim?
The $697 direct deposit rumor began spreading in late September 2025, when multiple small blogs and social media creators claimed a new “stimulus” would hit American bank accounts in October. Some even said the payments were meant to help families with inflation and cost-of-living expenses.
However, according to official federal agencies, no such payment has been approved or announced.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not released any new payment schedule or update on additional stimulus funds. Neither has the U.S. Treasury Department nor Social Security Administration (SSA).
When journalists from USA Today, Forbes, and Reuters investigated the claim, they found that many of the viral posts were linked to content farms or sites using clickbait titles for ad revenue.
So, in short — this “$697 payment” isn’t real.
But let’s use this rumor as a learning opportunity: how can you tell the difference between real relief money and fake internet buzz?
How Real Stimulus Payments Actually Work?
The U.S. government doesn’t just decide overnight to hand out direct deposits. Legitimate federal payments — like those in 2020–2022 — follow a formal process involving:
- Congressional approval: A relief bill or budget must pass through Congress and be signed by the President.
- Official IRS announcement: The IRS creates a dedicated page (with a .gov domain) to explain eligibility, payment dates, and how to track deposits.
- Media coverage: Major outlets such as CNN, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal confirm the news.
- Bank deposit timing: Payments are processed via Treasury Direct and typically appear labeled as “IRS TREAS 310 TAX REF.”
If a “stimulus” isn’t backed by those steps, it’s likely fake news or a misunderstanding.
Examples of Real Past Programs
To give this more context, here’s a comparison of authentic government payments vs. current rumors:
| Program Name | Year(s) | Average Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARES Act Stimulus | 2020 | $1,200 ($2,400 couples) | COVID relief approved by Congress |
| American Rescue Plan | 2021 | $1,400 per person | Federal pandemic aid |
| Child Tax Credit Advance | 2021 | $250–$300/month per child | Monthly payments |
| State Relief Rebates | 2022–2023 | $250–$1,050 | Inflation adjustment refunds |
| “$697 Checks” (Claim) | 2025 | $697 (unverified) | No legislative or official basis |
How the $697 Direct Deposit Checks Rumour spread?
The rumor about $697 checks appears to have started with misleading articles on several low-credibility websites. They often used vague phrases like “The IRS has hinted at upcoming payments” or “October relief funds are on the way.”
Many of these pages recycled old news about 2021 stimulus checks and combined them with recent financial stress headlines. This created confusion — especially when AI-generated content made the articles look legitimate.
Then, influencers on TikTok and YouTube picked up the story, adding dramatic titles like:
“BREAKING: $697 Checks Dropping October 1st! Check Your Bank NOW!”
These videos often include fake “proof” screenshots, which are easy to fabricate with photo editors or AI tools. Once shared thousands of times, the rumor starts to feel “real” even though it isn’t.
How to Check Eligibility for Legitimate Payments?
Even though the $697 story is fake, here’s how you can prepare for real programs and verify your eligibility safely.
1. Go to Official Websites Only
Always check updates directly
If a payment is truly scheduled, those sites will list it first — long before social media hears about it.
2. Use the IRS “Get My Payment” Tool
During past stimulus rounds, the IRS Get My Payment tool allowed taxpayers to track their deposits and confirm eligibility.
3. Keep Your Tax Filings Updated
The IRS uses your latest tax return to determine eligibility for relief programs. Even if you earn below the filing threshold, submit a “simple return” to stay in their system.
4. Update Direct Deposit Information
Ensure your bank account is linked and current. Outdated accounts can delay refunds or cause checks to be mailed instead.
5. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Data
Never enter personal details on unofficial “claim sites.” If you receive an email asking for your Social Security number or bank account, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) immediately.
Why Americans Fall for Payment Rumors?
There’s a reason these rumors go viral. Many families are still struggling with rising prices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), inflation in 2025 has hovered around 3.6%, with rent, food, and utilities taking the biggest hit.
When you combine financial stress with social media algorithms that boost emotional content, false hope spreads like wildfire.
Scammers understand this perfectly. They craft stories that mix truth (past stimulus programs) with fiction (new payments) to sound believable.
That’s why media literacy — and checking government sources — matters more than ever.
Spotting a Scam: Red Flags to Watch For
If you see a post or email claiming you’re eligible for “automatic payments,” look for these warning signs:
- The message comes from a non-.gov domain
- It asks for personal or banking information
- It contains spelling errors or urgent language like “ACT NOW!”
- The payment amount is oddly specific (e.g., $697 instead of $700)
- It promises guaranteed approval regardless of income or tax filing
The IRS and SSA never contact citizens by text, DM, or WhatsApp for payments.
All official communication is either by mail or through verified portals.
Expert Advice: What Financial Professionals Recommend
Financial advisors across the U.S. agree on one thing — when it comes to government payments, patience and verification are key.
Here’s advice from CPA and tax expert Lisa Greene-Lewis (via TurboTax Blog):
“If you see a claim about a new stimulus payment, double-check the IRS newsroom or trusted outlets before acting. The government never requires upfront fees or applications for federal payments.”
Similarly, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued alerts in 2024 about scam calls pretending to be IRS agents offering “direct deposit verification.” Those fake calls resulted in millions in identity theft losses.
Canada CRA $2,600 Direct Deposit in October 2025, Eligibility & Payment Schedule
Canada Grocery Rebate Amount for October 2025 – Check Eligibility & Payment Details
CRA $680 One-Time Payment Coming for these People – Check Eligibility, Payment Dates
