Expecting a stimulus check? Don’t toss it out with your junk mail.

by Patrice Johnson

If you are awaiting a COVID-19 stimulus check, do not chuck what may look like a promotional plastic card in the wastebasket: It may be your prepaid Economic Impact Payment (EIP) card.

“I got my stimulus payment in the form of a Visa debit card,” local resident Suzi Greenway said Jan. 28. “I thought it was an advertisement or hoax. The next morning I looked online about where is my check and learned about the debit cards.”

Greenway investigated further and found a blurb and picture of the cards. “It matched mine,” she said, so she took it to the bank and cashed it in for the full amount.” Greenway said, “You have to pick a pin using the phone number on the card before you cash or use it.” She also had to show her driver’s license.

Wording on the back page of card’s accompanying paperwork initially prompted Greenway to suspect the card wasn’t authentic. “It lists the fees you may pay by using ATM machines,” she cautioned.

Turned out, the card was real, brightening Greenway’s gray winter day. “Three months and a week ‘til the market opens on the square, and we have music to fill our ears and souls again!” She smiled.