Scammers pretend to be calling you from government agencies like the Social Security Administration and the IRS.
They often say they work for the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare — but sometimes they give you fake agency names.
Don’t wire money, send cash, or use gift cards or cryptocurrency to pay someone who says they’re with the government.
How to avoid the scam
1
Don’t give your financial or other personal information to someone who calls, texts, or emails and says they’re with the government.
2
Don’t trust your caller ID. Your caller ID might show the government agency’s real phone number or even say “Social Security Administration,” for example.
3
Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or text messages.
4
Because government agencies won’t call, email, or text you and ask for money or personal information. Only a scammer will do that.