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More than two dozen state attorneys general are urging the US Department of Treasury to block coronavirus relief stimulus checks from going to debt collectors.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed by Congress three weeks ago includes sending stimulus checks of up to $1,200 to Americans making less than $75,000 and another $500 per child.

But the AGs wrote in a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that the CARES Act doesn’t include a provision to stop the payments from being garnished by debt collectors and creditors, and urged his department to ensure that doesn’t happen.

“During this public health and economic crisis, the States do not believe that the billions of dollars appropriated by Congress to help keep hard-working Americans afloat should be subject to garnishment,” said the letter, which was spearheaded by New York AG Letitia James.

President Donald Trump signing the coronavirus stimulus relief package.AP/Evan VucciPresident Donald Trump signing the coronavirus stimulus relief package.AP/Evan Vucci

“Treasury has stated that ‘[i]n the weeks immediately after the passage of the CARES Act, Americans will see fast and direct relief in the form of Economic Impact Payments,’ and we request Treasury’s assistance in ensuring Americans are able to retain that monetary relief,” the letter continued.

James and 22 other AGs also sent a letter to the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau demanding the agency enforce a provision in the act ensuring that people who get temporary debt relief won’t take a hit on their credit scores.

The CFPB said in a statement: “The Bureau has taken action to ensure consumers are protected during this pandemic and is committed to enforcing the law. The guidance by the Bureau was clear and it directed creditors to comply with provisions of the CARES Act that a consumer is current on their loans if they received any type of loan modification or other payment relief as a result of the pandemic.”

The Treasury Secretary’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.

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