Government impostor scams: fake IRS, Social Security and FTC calls
Someone claiming to be from a government agency says you're in trouble and must pay or “verify” now.
Could you spot it?
4 quick examples. Decide scam or legit for each.
How it works
The caller gives a name and badge number and says your Social Security number was used in a crime, you owe back taxes, or your phone number is being used for fraud and will be cut off. They may email a fake document to make it feel official. Then comes the ask: pay a fine, “verify” your identity, or move money.
Government agencies don't call, text or email to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or ask for payment by gift card, crypto or wire transfer.
Red flags
- They threaten arrest, deportation, a suspended Social Security number or a cut-off phone line.
- They want payment now, especially by gift card, crypto, wire or cash.
- They read out a badge number or send an “official” letter by email.
- They tell you to stay on the line and not talk to anyone.
What it looks like
Your phone rings in the middle of the afternoon.
Caller: Good afternoon. This is Agent Daniel Ross with the Federal Trade Commission, badge number 4471-9. A phone registered under your name is being used to commit fraud overseas.
Caller: Unless you cooperate with our investigation today, your phone number will be deactivated within two hours.
Caller: I'm transferring you to a senior investigator who will verify your identity. Please have your Social Security number and bank information ready.
The tells:
- A badge number read out loud is a prop. Anyone can make one up.
- A threat with a two-hour deadline.
- They want your Social Security number and bank details.
A training example written for this site. Names, numbers and links are made up, and links are disabled.
What to do
- Hang up. Look up the agency's real number on its .gov website and call it yourself.
- Your Social Security number can't be “suspended”.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you already paid or shared information
- Contact the company you used to pay (your bank, card company, gift card company, payment app or wire service) right away and ask them to reverse the payment.
- If you shared a password, change it now and turn on two-factor authentication.
- If you gave out your Social Security number or other ID details, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For scams that happened online, you can also report to the FBI at ic3.gov.
From FTC: What to do if you were scammed.
Latest alerts about this scam
- FTC ·The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number
Here’s the latest twist on FTC impersonators: someone claiming to be an FTC official (who’s really a scammer) calls to say a phone was registered under your name and number and is being used to commit scams in another country. The “FTC official” even reads off their badge ID (it’s a fake badge). If you don’t cooperate, they threaten to deactivate your phone number.
- FTC ·Veterans: Don’t pay to apply for VA benefits
Scammers know that applying for veterans benefits is at the top of the to-do list when you’re getting ready to leave the military. That’s why they pretend to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- FTC ·Searching for health insurance? Keep scrolling to avoid government impersonators
When you search online, do you click the first result you see? That habit could cost you — especially if you’re searching for health insurance or government healthcare programs.
Sources
- FTC: How to avoid a government impersonation scam
- FTC: The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number
- FTC: Your Social Security number isn't suspended. Ever.
- FTC: That text or email about your “tax refund” is a scam
Related scams
Missed jury duty threats
A caller claiming to be a sheriff's deputy or court officer says you missed jury duty and must pay to avoid arrest.
Family emergencies and voice clones
A panicked call from a “grandchild” or other relative who needs money right now, and asks you to keep it secret.
Tech support pop-ups and calls
A pop-up or call says your computer is infected and you must call a number or allow remote access.