Impersonation
Government Impersonation Scams
Fraudsters pose as officials from government agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement to extort money or information.
How It Works
- The scammer calls, texts, or emails, claiming to be from a government agency.
- They use threats, such as arrest, deportation, or suspension of benefits, to create fear.
- They might claim you owe back taxes, have a warrant for your arrest, or that your Social Security number has been involved in a crime.
- They demand immediate payment, often through gift cards or wire transfers, or ask for personal information like your SSN.
Red Flags
- Threats of immediate arrest or other legal action.
- Demands for immediate payment using specific, untraceable methods.
- Unsolicited calls or emails from government agencies. They typically initiate contact via mail.
- The caller ID being spoofed to look like a legitimate government number.
Prevention Tips
- Government agencies will never demand immediate payment over the phone.
- Never provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.
- Hang up and independently verify the claim by calling the agency's official, publicly listed phone number.
- The government does not accept payment in gift cards.
Example Scenario
"You get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, stating you owe $3,000 in back taxes and a warrant will be issued for your arrest if you don't immediately pay using Target gift cards."