Government Impersonation Scams
Learn how to recognize and protect yourself from scammers pretending to be government agencies.
What are Government Impersonation Scams?
Government impersonation scams occur when criminals pretend to be from legitimate government agencies to trick you into sending money or revealing personal information.
These scams leverage the authority and trust associated with government entities to create fear, urgency, and compliance. Scammers falsely claim to represent agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or other government departments.
Typical claims in these scams include:
- You owe taxes or other fees that must be paid immediately
- Your Social Security number has been compromised or suspended
- Your Medicare benefits are in jeopardy
- You've violated a law or regulation and face immediate penalties
- You're eligible for a government grant or tax refund
- Your immigration status is in question
Common Types of Government Impersonation Scams
These scams typically impersonate specific government agencies with tailored approaches:
IRS/Tax Scams
Scammers claim you owe back taxes and face immediate arrest, property seizure, or deportation unless you pay immediately.
They often demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Social Security Scams
Callers claim your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity or claim you need to "verify" your number to continue receiving benefits.
They may threaten arrest if you don't comply or claim your benefits are at risk.
Medicare/Healthcare Scams
Scammers claim to be Medicare representatives offering free medical equipment, COVID tests, or new cards in exchange for your Medicare number.
They may also claim you need to pay a fee to continue coverage or are owed a refund.
Government Grant Scams
You're told you've been selected for a "free government grant" but need to pay processing, application, or delivery fees to receive it.
The grant never materializes, and the fees are lost to scammers.
Utility/FCC Scams
Scammers claim to be from utility companies or the Federal Communications Commission offering benefits, refunds, or warning of service disconnection.
They typically demand immediate payment to avoid service interruption.
Immigration/Visa Scams
Callers claim to be from immigration services stating there's a problem with your immigration records, visa status, or citizenship application.
They threaten deportation unless you pay fees or provide personal information.
Hear a Government Impersonation Scam Call Reconstruction
Listen to our educational reconstruction of a typical government impersonation scam call. Learn to identify the warning signs used by scammers pretending to be from official agencies.
This audio demonstration includes common manipulation techniques:
- False claims about government authority
- Threats of legal action or arrest
- Creating fear about fines, taxes, or benefits
- Pressure for immediate payment or personal information
Note: This is a fictional reconstruction created for educational purposes. No actual scammers were involved in this recording.
How Government Scams Work
Understanding the tactics and psychology behind these scams can help you avoid them:
Common Tactics Used
Official-Sounding Language
Scammers use government terminology, case numbers, and legal jargon to sound legitimate and intimidating.
Caller ID Spoofing
They manipulate caller ID to display official government agency names or phone numbers that appear legitimate.
Threats and Intimidation
Creating fear through threats of arrest, deportation, benefit loss, or legal action if you don't comply immediately.
Psychological Manipulation
Authority Compliance
Exploiting most people's natural tendency to comply with authority figures, especially government officials.
Fear of Consequences
Leveraging concerns about legal troubles, financial penalties, or benefit loss to trigger panic responses.
Urgency Creation
Creating artificial deadlines and demanding immediate action to prevent victims from thinking clearly or verifying claims.
Why Seniors Are Often Targeted
Older adults are frequently targeted for government impersonation scams because:
- They're more likely to receive government benefits like Social Security or Medicare
- They often have retirement savings or home equity that scammers want to access
- Many grew up in an era with greater trust in government institutions
- They may be less familiar with how government agencies actually communicate
- They typically have greater concerns about maintaining benefits they depend on
Anatomy of a Government Scam: Red Flags to Watch For
Let's examine a typical IRS scam call to identify the warning signs:
Warning Signs in This Call
Threatening Language
"Legal proceedings," "arrest warrant," and other threatening terms are used to create immediate fear and panic.
Immediate Payment Demand
The scammer insists the issue must be resolved "today" with immediate payment, giving you no time to verify or consult others.
Unusual Payment Methods
Requesting payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency—methods no legitimate government agency would ever use.
Requested Secrecy
"Don't tell anyone about this call" is a major red flag—government agencies never ask for secrecy.
False Authority Claims
Claiming to be a "senior officer" or using badge numbers to sound official, even though the IRS doesn't use badges or make unsolicited threatening calls.
How Real Government Agencies Actually Communicate
Understanding legitimate government communication practices is your best defense:
Initial Contact by Mail
Most government agencies make first contact through official letters sent by U.S. mail, not through phone calls, emails, or text messages.
No Immediate Demands
Legitimate agencies provide reasonable time to respond, appeal, or make payments. They don't demand same-day action or immediate payment.
Standard Payment Methods
Government agencies accept checks, credit cards, or electronic payments through official portals—never gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Appeal Rights
Real government notices always explain your rights to question, appeal, or dispute any claims or fines, with clear procedures for doing so.
No Cold Calls
Government agencies like the IRS or SSA typically don't call you unless you've already been in contact with them or received prior communications.
Privacy Protection
Legitimate agencies have strict procedures for verifying identity and would never ask for full Social Security numbers, passwords, or other sensitive information.
Critical Knowledge for Protecting Yourself
The IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, and other government agencies will NEVER:
- Call to demand immediate payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Threaten to immediately bring in police or other agencies to arrest you
- Demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Suspend your Social Security number
Agency-Specific Information
Learn about specific practices of commonly impersonated agencies:
-
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
The IRS Will Never:
- Call to demand immediate payment using specific payment methods
- Threaten to bring in law enforcement to have you arrested for not paying
- Demand payment without giving you the opportunity to question or appeal
- Ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone
- Call you about an unexpected tax refund
The IRS Typically Will:
- Send multiple notices by mail before calling
- Provide a legitimate notice number that can be verified
- Offer payment plans and options if you owe taxes
- Allow you to question or appeal the amount owed
- Direct you to make payments to the "United States Treasury"
To verify an IRS notice: Call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
-
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA Will Never:
- Call to tell you your Social Security number has been suspended
- Threaten you with arrest or legal action if you don't immediately pay a fine or fee
- Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Demand secrecy about a problem with your Social Security number or benefits
- Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email
The SSA Typically Will:
- Send a letter via U.S. mail if there's an issue with your benefits
- Call only if you've requested a call or have ongoing business with them
- Provide clear information about any overpayments or issues
- Offer appeals processes for any decisions or determinations
- Direct payments to "U.S. Treasury" through their secure website or by mail
To verify SSA communication: Call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.
-
Medicare
Medicare Will Never:
- Call you uninvited to sell you anything or ask for your Medicare number
- Call claiming to be conducting a "Medicare survey" asking for your Medicare number
- Call to tell you that you need to pay to get a new Medicare card
- Ask for payment to "upgrade" your coverage
- Call offering "free" medical supplies or services in exchange for your Medicare number
Medicare Typically Will:
- Send information by mail using official letterhead
- Only call if you've called them first or left a message requesting a callback
- Provide written information about any changes to your benefits
- Direct you to medicare.gov for official information
- Offer clear appeal processes for any coverage decisions
To verify Medicare communication: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
-
FBI/Law Enforcement Agencies
The FBI or Law Enforcement Will Never:
- Call to inform you about arrest warrants
- Email or call threatening arrest unless you pay fines
- Request wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency payments
- Demand payment to resolve criminal charges
- Request remote access to your computer to "investigate" an issue
Law Enforcement Typically Will:
- Visit in person with proper identification if you're under investigation
- Allow legal representation during any questioning
- Present official documentation for any legal actions
- Direct court-ordered fines to be paid to courts, not individuals
- Follow formal legal procedures for any charges or arrests
To verify FBI communication: Contact your local FBI field office directly (found at fbi.gov).
-
Immigration Services (USCIS)
USCIS Will Never:
- Call to demand immediate payment to avoid deportation
- Request payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Threaten immigrants with deportation if they don't pay fees over the phone
- Ask for personal financial information over the phone
- Request payments to be sent to individuals rather than to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"
USCIS Typically Will:
- Send official correspondence through U.S. mail on official letterhead
- Provide written notifications about application status or issues
- Offer receipts for all payments
- Include case numbers on all correspondence
- Direct payments through official channels with proper documentation
To verify USCIS communication: Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
How to Protect Yourself from Government Impersonation Scams
Follow these practices to avoid becoming a victim:
Hang Up and Verify
If you receive a suspicious call from a "government agency," hang up and call the agency directly using their official phone number from their website.
Be Suspicious of Urgency
Government agencies don't operate on "urgent" timelines that require immediate action. Take time to verify any claim or demand.
Use Official Websites
Access government websites directly by typing the address (ending in .gov) rather than clicking on links in emails or text messages.
Know Payment Methods
Legitimate government agencies never require payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.
Guard Personal Information
Never provide Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other personal information to unsolicited callers or emails.
Consult Before Acting
Talk to a trusted family member, friend, or financial advisor before taking any action requested by someone claiming to be from a government agency.
Remember This Rule
Legitimate government agencies initiate contact by mail, not phone calls, emails, or text messages. If you receive an unexpected call, hang up and call the agency directly using the official phone number from their website.
What to Do If You've Been Contacted
If you receive a suspicious contact from someone claiming to be from a government agency:
Immediate Steps
- Stay calm - Don't let fear or urgency pressure you into making hasty decisions
- Hang up - End the call immediately if it seems suspicious
- Don't click links in suspicious emails or text messages
- Don't call back numbers left in voicemails or shown on caller ID
- Verify independently by contacting the agency directly using their official phone number from their website
- Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers
- Never send money using methods requested by the caller
How to Report Government Impersonation Scams
- IRS Scams: Report to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at treasury.gov/tigta or call 1-800-366-4484
- Social Security Scams: Report to the SSA Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271
- Medicare Scams: Report to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
- FBI/Law Enforcement Scams: Report to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov
- Any Government Impersonation: Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357
Important:
When reporting, include specific details like the phone number that called you, what agency they claimed to represent, and what they demanded or requested.
What to Do If You've Already Sent Money
If you've already sent money to a government impersonation scammer:
Act Quickly Based on Payment Method
- Gift Cards: Contact the gift card issuer immediately to report fraud and request a refund
- Wire Transfer: Contact the wire transfer service (Western Union, MoneyGram) immediately to try to stop the transfer
- Credit Card: Contact your credit card company to dispute the charge
- Bank Transfer: Contact your bank immediately to report fraud and attempt to recall the transfer
- Cryptocurrency: Unfortunately, cryptocurrency transactions are typically not reversible, but report the scam to help prevent future victims
Document and Report
- Report to the specific agency the scammer was impersonating (see reporting info in previous section)
- Report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a report with your local police department
- Keep records of all communications, including phone numbers, emails, names used, and what was said
- Record details of payments made, including dates, amounts, and methods
- Check your credit reports for unusual activity if you shared personal information
Beware of Recovery Scams
After being scammed, you may be contacted by someone offering to help recover your money for an upfront fee. This is a secondary scam. Legitimate recovery assistance typically doesn't require payment upfront.
Special Considerations for Immigrants
Immigrants are often specifically targeted with government impersonation scams:
Common Immigration Scam Tactics
- Threatening immediate deportation unless fees are paid
- Claiming there are problems with visa applications or green card status
- Impersonating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or USCIS officers
- Demanding payment to avoid "deportation proceedings"
- Offering to expedite immigration applications for a fee
- Claiming to be from the "Visa Department" or "Immigration Department" (which don't exist)
Protection Tips for Immigrants
- USCIS never calls to request payment over the phone
- Real immigration issues are handled through official channels with written documentation
- No government agency accepts gift cards or wire transfers for immigration fees
- Official immigration fees are paid to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security," not individuals
- Legitimate immigration status concerns involve formal written notices, not threatening calls
- Consult with a qualified immigration attorney if you have concerns about your status
Resources for Immigrants:
For legitimate immigration information and to verify the status of any application, visit uscis.gov or call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.
Helping Others Avoid Government Scams
Share your knowledge to protect vulnerable friends and family:
Supporting Older Adults
- Discuss government scams openly without being condescending
- Share the fundamental rule: legitimate government agencies contact by mail first
- Explain that government agencies never demand immediate payment via gift cards
- Encourage them to call you before making any payments or sharing information
- Help them look up and store official government agency numbers
- Set up caller ID and call blocking on their phones
- Remind them that Social Security numbers can't be "suspended" and the IRS doesn't initiate contact by phone
Community Awareness
- Share information about current government scams with community groups
- Post alerts on community bulletin boards when new scams emerge
- Offer to help neighbors verify suspicious government communications
- Organize educational sessions at senior centers or community gatherings
- Distribute our printable resources about government scams
- Encourage reporting of scams to proper authorities
- Share success stories of people who recognized and avoided scams
Discussion Tips
When talking about government scams with others:
- Focus on the specific tactics scammers use rather than suggesting vulnerability
- Emphasize that these scams are sophisticated and target people of all backgrounds
- Share stories of scams in a matter-of-fact way without judgment
- Acknowledge that government terms and processes can be confusing for everyone
- Create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable asking questions
Think You're Being Targeted by a Government Scam?
If you've received a suspicious contact from someone claiming to be from a government agency, or if you've already sent money, we're here to help.