Officials with the IRS say prepaid debit cards for Economic Impact Payments (EIPs) are being sent out this week.

They said EIP cards follow the millions of payments already made by direct deposit or ongoing mailed paper checks.

They're urging residents to watch your mail for either a paper check or debit card.

They're also warning residents about scams and want people to know what the cards look like.

Eligible people who don't receive a direct deposit need to watch their mail carefully. The prepaid debit cared is sponsored by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, and is issued by the Treasury's financial agent, MetaBank, N.A.

The IRS does not determine who receives a prepaid card.

Taxpayers should note the form of payment for the second EIP may be different than the first one. Some people who got a paper check last time may get a prepaid card this time, and some people who got a prepaid card may get a check this time.

EIP card recipients can use the card online or in stores anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. They can get cash from domestic, in-network ATMS, transfer funds to a personal bank account and get a replace EIP card if needed without any incurring fees. The EIP card provides consumer protections against fraud, loss and other errors.

EIP cards are sent i na white envelope that prominently displays the US Department of Treasury seal. The card has the Visa name on the front of the card and the issuing bank name, MetaBank, N.A. on the back. Each mailing will include instructions on hoe to securely activate and use the card.

Cards are being issued to eligible recipients across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Residents of the western part of the US are generally more likely to receive an EIP card.

To check the status of a payment, visit IRS.gov/getmypayment.

For Frequently Asked Questions, visit these links below:

EIP Cards: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-e-eip-cards\

Requesting EIPs: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-b-requesting-my-economic-impact-payment

Receiving payments: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-d-receiving-my-payment