How to Recognize Government Imposter Scams (SSA, IRS, Medicare)

Scammers pretend to be from the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare to steal money — here's how to tell the real from the fake.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Know what real government agencies will never do
2.Recognize the specific scams
3.What to do when you get a suspicious call
4.Report the call to the FTC and OIG

Know what real government agencies will never do

~33s

The IRS, Social Security Administration, and Medicare will never: call and demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, Zelle, or cryptocurrency; threaten to arrest you if you don't pay right now; ask you to confirm your Social Security number or bank account information over the phone in an unsolicited call; send someone to your home to collect payment; or send threatening emails asking you to click a link to avoid penalties.

Warning

Scammers have technology that makes caller ID show the actual phone numbers of the IRS or SSA. A real-looking caller ID does NOT confirm the call is legitimate.

Recognize the specific scams

~23s

Common government imposter scripts: "Your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity — press 1 to speak with an officer." "You owe back taxes and a warrant has been issued for your arrest — call immediately." "Your Medicare benefits have been suspended — we need to verify your card number." "Your SNAP/Medicaid benefits are at risk — confirm your information now." All of these are scams.

What to do when you get a suspicious call

~22s

Hang up. Do not press 1 or any other number, which can connect you to a scammer or confirm your number is active. If you're worried the call might be real, hang up and call the agency back at their official number: SSA: 1-800-772-1213 | IRS: 1-800-829-1040 | Medicare: 1-800-633-4227. These numbers are on the official websites ssa.gov, irs.gov, and medicare.gov.

Report the call to the FTC and OIG

~29s

Report SSA impersonation scams to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report. Report IRS scams at reportphishing.antiphishing.org. Report all government imposter scams to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If you sent money or gave information, also contact your bank and place a fraud alert on your credit reports at equifax.com, transunion.com, and experian.com.

Quick Tip

The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 is free and available to anyone. If you're unsure whether a call or letter is real, call AARP's helpline before taking any action.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Recognize Government Imposter Scams (SSA, IRS, Medicare)

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Government imposter scams are one of the most common types of fraud targeting older adults. Scammers call or email pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, or other government agencies and threaten you with arrest, suspended benefits, or large fines unless you pay immediately. The calls and emails look and sound very convincing — but they are always fake.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

scam

government imposter

SSA

IRS

Medicare

fraud