Watch out for government imposter scams

Published on March 07, 2022

Government imposter scams are becoming more common. In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received over 396,000 complaints about them, including more than $442 million lost to scammers.  

Be extra cautious when receiving calls from anyone claiming to be from a government agency. 

Legitimate government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, will NEVER:

• Threaten arrest or legal action if someone does not immediately send money to resolve an overpayment. 

• Promise to increase benefits or resolve identity theft issues for a fee or by moving money into a protected account. 

• Require payment with a retail gift card, prepaid debit card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, internet currency, or by mailing cash. 

• Send text or email messages that contain personal information. 

What you should do to protect yourself:

• Hang up on suspicious calls from “government officials” calling about a problem with your Social Security number or account. 

• NEVER make payments with gift cards, wire transfers, or by mailing cash. 

• Report Social Security scams to OIG.SSA.GOV. 

• Report other scams to reportfraud.ftc.gov.