Scam Library
Government Impersonation
You get a call, text, or email claiming to be from a government agency. It often threatens arrest, benefit loss, or legal action unless you act immediately — usually by paying with gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, or by confirming personal details like your Social Security number.
Warning signs
What to watch for
- Demands immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — or by mailing a cashier's check or money order
- Threatens arrest, deportation, or loss of benefits if you don't act now
- Caller ID shows a government-looking name or number (these are easy to fake)
- Asks you to confirm a Social Security number or Medicare number over the phone
Stay safe
How to verify
- Hang up and call the agency directly using the number on their official website or a past mailing — never a number from the message itself
- Real government agencies almost never demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or a mailed cashier's check, and typically contact you by mail first
Already sent money or shared a password?
Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, or the official number on your statement — not any number from the suspicious message.
Not sure if something you received matches this pattern?
Check a Message