Frequently Asked Questions
About Government Impersonation
1 Will the IRS call me demanding immediate payment?
No. The IRS primarily contacts taxpayers by mail. They never demand immediate payment via phone, threaten arrest, or require specific payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Any such call is a scam.
2 How do government impersonation scams work?
Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement officials. They claim you owe money, your benefits will be suspended, or there's a warrant for your arrest. They demand immediate payment via untraceable methods.
3 What should I do if someone claims to be from a government agency?
Hang up. Do not provide any information. Call the agency directly using the number from their official website (not a number the caller provides). Report the call to the FTC and the agency being impersonated.
4 Can my Social Security number be suspended?
No. Social Security numbers cannot be "suspended" or "frozen" due to suspicious activity. This is a common scam tactic. The Social Security Administration will never threaten you or demand immediate payment.
5 How can I verify if government contact is legitimate?
Contact the agency directly through official channels - use numbers from official government websites (.gov). Never use contact information provided by the caller. Government agencies send official letters for important matters and allow time to respond.