Stimulus recipients receiving money in the form of prepaid debit cards to support them during the COVID-19 crisis have reported mistaking their payments for junk mail.

In a statement, released May 27, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) said it wanted to remind taxpayers some payments are being sent by prepaid debit card and highlighted that they arrive in a plain envelope from "Money Network Cardholder Services.".

One recipient, Bonnie Moore, said her husband cut up a card they were sent, assuming it was a "fake card.".

Vicki Wade, of Texas, said people might throw the envelope away "at first glance," telling KCEN she almost did so with hers, as she does not usually use Money Network as a bank.

comes in a non-descript envelope from “Money Network Cardholder Services” and it’s a DEBIT CARD.

"I probably could have thrown this in the trash and you might too," he said, before urging people to not do so if they receive an envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services.

Millions of people are getting Economic Impact Payments by prepaid debit card mailed in plain envelopes from Money Network Cardholder Services.

Florida's Attorney General Ashley Moody said some people "are confusing stimulus debit cards for junk mail," and added: "If you are expecting a stimulus payment, know that it may be sent as a debit card.

Look out for an envelope from Money Network Cardholder Services & a debit card w/a MetaBank logo on the back.".

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, outlining details of the cards in a previous statement, said: "Prepaid debit cards are secure, easy to use, and allow us to deliver Americans their money quickly.