Scam type
Government impersonation scam calls
Government impersonation scams are calls from people pretending to be Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, the FTC, a U.S. Marshal or the police. They claim your identity was used in a crime, you owe money or you missed jury duty, and they demand payment or your personal numbers right away. Real agencies don’t call to threaten arrest, and never ask for gift cards, crypto, gold or cash.
How the call works
- Caller ID can be faked to show an agency’s name.
- You hear that your Social Security number is «suspended», you owe back taxes, you need a «new Medicare card» or you missed jury duty.
- The caller threatens arrest or fines and tells you to keep it secret.
- Payment is demanded by gift card, payment app, crypto, wire, gold or cash handed to a courier.
How it often sounds
- «Your Social Security number was used in a crime and is suspended.»
- «You missed jury duty. Pay the fine now or you’ll be arrested.»
- «You need a new Medicare card. Confirm your Medicare number.»
Typical lines described by officials and news reports.
Red flags
- Threats of arrest or fines
- «Don’t tell anyone»
- Requests for your SSN, Medicare or bank number
- Gift cards, crypto, gold or cash as payment
- A warrant sent by text or email
What to do
- Hang up and call the agency on a number from its official website.
- For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically.
- For jury duty, call the court using the number on its official website.
Real cases
- How-to guideCaller ID Spoofing: Why the Number on Your Screen Can LieScammers can make any name or number show up on caller ID, including your bank, a government agency or a local number. Here’s how spoofing works and what to do.
- Scam caseFake FTC Agent Scam: Gold Bars, Crypto and a 14-Year Prison SentenceCallers posing as FTC agents told an older victim to buy crypto and gold to “protect their assets.” A Georgia man who picked up the gold got 168 months.
- Scam alertFake FTC Call Says Your Phone Number Will Be Deactivated: It’s a ScamA new FTC impostor script: your number is tied to crimes abroad, a fake police officer takes a report, then you’re told to pay a “security deposit.” It’s all fake.
- Scam caseIRS Impersonation Scam: A Runner for an India-Based Call Center Gets 30 MonthsCallers posing as IRS officials threatened arrest over “back taxes.” Over 2,700 victims paid more than $2.4 million. A Nevada runner was sentenced in 2024.
- Scam alertJury Duty Scam Calls: “You Missed Jury Duty and Will Be Arrested” Is a ScamCallers posing as U.S. Marshals or police say you missed jury duty and must pay now to avoid arrest. Courts don’t collect fines by phone. Here’s what to do.
- Scam alertMedicare Open Enrollment Scam Calls: The “New Medicare Card” Call Is FakeDuring Medicare Open Enrollment, scammers call claiming you need a new Medicare card and ask for your numbers. Medicare cards are free and mailed automatically.
- Scam caseSocial Security Impersonation Scam: Two Convicted in a Call Center SchemeCallers posing as Social Security employees said victims’ numbers were tied to crimes. A 70-year-old woman sent over $600,000. Two men were convicted in 2025.
Questions
Does the IRS or Social Security ever call to demand payment?
They don’t call to threaten arrest or demand immediate payment, and they never ask for gift cards, crypto or a wire. The IRS sends letters first.
Will police call about a missed jury duty fine?
No. The FTC warns that these calls are scams. Courts don’t collect fines by phone.
Can a government agency tell me to move or protect my money?
No. No agency moves, holds or «protects» your money, and none asks you to buy gold or crypto.