Learn about scams

Government Impersonation Scams

Last updated September 18, 2026

The short answer

Someone is calling, texting, or emailing you and claiming to be from a government agency like the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or law enforcement. They say you owe money, your Social Security number has been "suspended," or there's a warrant for your arrest. Government agencies don't work this way.

How it works

  1. 1

    They contact you out of the blue

    You get a phone call, voicemail, text, or email claiming to be from a government agency. The caller ID might even show a real agency's number. Scammers can fake that.

  2. 2

    They create fear

    They say you owe back taxes, your Social Security number was used in a crime, or there's a warrant for your arrest. The goal is to scare you into acting fast.

  3. 3

    They demand immediate payment

    They say you must pay right now to avoid arrest, fines, or losing your benefits. They want gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto, all things that can't be reversed.

  4. 4

    They keep you on the line

    They don't want you to hang up and think about it, or call the real agency to check. They may say "stay on the line while we process this."

Warning signs

  • A government agency contacts you by phone or text demanding money
  • They say you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately
  • They ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto
  • The caller ID shows a government agency (scammers can fake this)
  • They tell you not to talk to anyone about this call
  • They claim your Social Security number has been "suspended" (that's not a real thing)
  • They threaten to cut off your benefits unless you "verify" personal information

What it looks like

"The IRS is filing a lawsuit against you"

You get a robocall saying the IRS is suing you for unpaid taxes and a warrant has been issued for your arrest. Press 1 to speak to an agent. The "agent" says you can resolve it today by buying $3,000 in gift cards and reading them the numbers over the phone.

"Your Social Security number has been suspended"

A voicemail says your Social Security number was connected to criminal activity and has been suspended. You need to call back immediately to "verify your identity." They ask for your SSN, date of birth, and bank account information.

"U.S. Marshals" calling about a missed jury duty

Someone calls claiming to be from the U.S. Marshals Service. They say you missed jury duty and a bench warrant has been issued. They offer to "clear it up" if you pay a $1,500 fine immediately via wire transfer.

What to do

  • Hang up immediately. Don't press any buttons or say anything.
  • Don't call back the number they gave you. Look up the agency's real number yourself.
  • If they claimed to be the IRS, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.
  • If they claimed to be Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213.
  • Never give your Social Security number to someone who called you.
  • Report the call to the FTC and the agency they claimed to be from.

Who gets targeted

These scams often target older adults and recent immigrants, people who may be more worried about government authority or less familiar with how agencies actually communicate. But anyone can get these calls.

Real government agencies send official letters by mail for important matters. They don't call and threaten arrest.

By the numbers

$920 million lost to government impersonators in 2025, up from $789 million in 2024
FTC, 2026
32,424 government impersonation reports to the FBI in 2025, against 14,190 in 2023
FBI IC3, 2026
Scammers can spoof any phone number, including government numbers
FCC

Frequently asked questions

Will the IRS call me about unpaid taxes?

The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail. They will never call to demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or accept gift cards. If you owe taxes, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

Can my Social Security number be "suspended"?

No. Social Security numbers cannot be suspended, revoked, or frozen. Anyone who tells you otherwise is running a scam. The SSA will never call to threaten you or demand payment.

How do scammers fake caller ID to show government numbers?

Scammers use a technique called "spoofing" that makes any number appear on your caller ID. This is why you should never trust caller ID alone. Always hang up and call the agency directly using a number you look up yourself.

Companies used in government impersonation scams

These are the brands scammers hide behind in this scam. Each guide covers what that company will never ask you for, and how to report it to them directly.

See all companies scammers impersonate