THE GEN C:\> SCAN GOVERNMENT-IMPERSONATION
IRS & Social Security Impersonators
A caller or message says it's the IRS, Social Security Administration, or even the FTC. They say you owe money, your Social Security number is suspended, or you'll be arrested, and demand payment or personal information right away. Caller ID can be faked to show the real agency. A newer twist: a fake "FTC official" says a phone registered in your name is being used for scams overseas and threatens to shut off your number, then hands you to a fake police officer.
"This is the Social Security Administration. Your SSN has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak to an officer or a warrant will be issued."
Red flags
- Threats of arrest, deportation, or a suspended Social Security number
- Demands gift cards, wire, crypto, or a payment app
- Asks you to confirm your Social Security number
- Caller ID showing a government name
- Threatens to deactivate your phone number, or says to keep the call secret
What to do
- Government agencies won't call, text, or message you to demand money or personal info.
- Hang up and contact the agency at a number you know is correct (find it on USA.gov).
- Don't trust caller ID.
Where to report it
Got a message like this right now? Paste it into the free Scam Radar checker to see the red flags. It runs in your browser and never saves your message.
Know someone who'd fall for this?
Scammers count on people not talking about it. Send this guide to a parent, a friend, or the family group chat.
Related scams
- Phantom Hacker Scam
- Election scams (fake campaigns, PACs, and voter texts)
- Medicare Impersonation Scams
- Gift Card Payment Scams
Keep your family safe
Copy a ready-made prompt from the Staying safe prompts, like setting up a family code word or locking down your accounts. Want an AI helper you can trust? Try the AI Finder quiz.
Sources
- FTC: How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam
- FTC: Scammers impersonate the Social Security Administration (Apr 8, 2025)
- FTC: Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams
- FTC: The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number (Oct 22, 2026)
Last checked: 2026-10-26. General education, not legal or financial advice. Sample messages are made up.