$6400 Stimulus Check Coming in December? This is what you need to know about the Viral Claim

A recent scam involving a fabricated claim of a $6,400 government subsidy for every American highlights the growing danger of misinformation on social media. The scam, which used a deepfake video of Donald Trump falsely endorsing the program, is an example of how scammers exploit technology and public trust to spread false narratives. Here’s what you need to know about the claim, how it was debunked, and how to protect yourself from similar schemes.

The $6,400 Stimulus Check Claim: What Was Said?

On November 18th, a video circulated on Facebook purportedly showing Donald Trump accusing President Joe Biden and other Democratic officials of hiding a $6,400 federal subsidy meant for every American. The video claimed Trump demanded these funds be released to the public.

However, this claim was immediately suspicious. Key red flags included:

1. Manipulated Video Footage: The video’s audio did not align with Trump’s mouth movements, a hallmark of deepfake technology.
2. No Supporting Evidence: No credible news outlets or government sources corroborated the existence of such a program.
3. Redirection to a Suspicious Website: Viewers were directed to a non-governmental website to claim the money, which ultimately showed an “access denied” error.

How Deepfake Technology Fueled the Scam

Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic videos, making it appear that someone is saying or doing something they never did. In this case, the video manipulated Trump’s likeness to falsely promote a nonexistent government program.

How to Spot a Deepfake Video:

• Inconsistent Movements: Mouth movements and facial expressions that don’t align naturally with the audio.
• Glitches or Artifacts: Visual distortions, particularly around the edges of the face or during transitions.
• Unnatural Audio Syncing: Speech that doesn’t match lip movements or has odd timing.
• Context Mismatch: Claims or statements that seem out of character or lack credible sources for verification.

The Reality: No $6,400 Subsidy Exists

Fact-checkers and reputable sources confirm that there is no $6,400 federal subsidy program for Americans. Searches for related legislation or announcements yield no results, and the lack of credible reporting further debunks the claim.

The scam is one of many variations that have appeared in recent years, falsely offering Americans sums ranging from $2,400 to $16,800. Each instance involved misleading links, fake celebrity endorsements, or unauthorized websites designed to harvest personal information.

The Anatomy of a Scam: What to Watch For

Scammers often employ similar tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims. Understanding these strategies can help you avoid falling victim:

Signs of a Scam:

1. Unrealistic Promises: Claims of large payouts with minimal effort, like “free money” from the government.
2. Unofficial Websites: Government programs are only advertised through official channels (e.g., websites ending in .gov).
3. Requests for Personal Information: Scammers may ask for Social Security numbers, banking details, or upfront payments.
4. Celebrity Impersonation: Using public figures to add legitimacy to their false claims.
5. Pressure Tactics: Urging you to act quickly to avoid “missing out.”

Protecting Yourself from Scams

1. Verify Information:

• Cross-check claims with official government websites like usa.gov or reliable news outlets.
• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers.

2. Check URLs Carefully:

Authentic government websites always end in .gov. Avoid links with unusual or misspelled domain names.

3. Avoid Sharing Personal Information:

Never provide sensitive details like Social Security numbers, banking information, or passwords without verifying the source.

4. Report Suspicious Activity:

• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Alert the platform hosting the content, such as Facebook or Twitter, to prevent further distribution.

The Role of Deepfakes in Misinformation

Deepfake technology is increasingly being weaponized to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, and execute scams. As the technology becomes more accessible, individuals must develop digital literacy to identify fabricated content.

Governments and tech companies are also working on detection tools to flag manipulated media, but public awareness remains the first line of defense.

Beware of ‘Free Money’ Scams

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regularly warns against scams that promise free government money. These schemes often follow a pattern:

• Claiming to be tied to government relief efforts or subsidies.
• Requesting a small “processing fee” or personal information to release funds.
• Redirecting users to fake or unauthorized websites.

In this case, scammers used a deepfake video to falsely imply that Donald Trump supported the $6,400 program, preying on viewers’ hopes for financial assistance during economic challenges.

Key Takeaways

• No $6,400 federal subsidy exists. The claim is a fabrication propagated by scammers using deepfake technology.
• Be vigilant against deepfake videos. Look for inconsistencies in visuals and audio, and verify information with credible sources.
• Protect your information. Avoid providing personal details or clicking on suspicious links.
• Report scams promptly. Alert authorities and online platforms to prevent further harm.

By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to similar scams in the future.

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