How to Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam

Scammers pretend to be from government agencies like the FTC, Social Security Administration, and IRS — or say they’re calling about your Medicare benefits. They contact you and say that, if you don’t pay or give them your personal information, something bad will happen. Or maybe you’ll miss out on some government benefit. But it’s a scam. Learn the signs and avoid the scam.

• What To Know About Government Impersonation Scams
• FTC Impersonation Scams
• Social Security Administration Impersonation Scams
• IRS Impersonation Scams
• Medicare Impersonation Scams
• Other Government Impersonation Scams
• Report Government Impersonation Scams

The FTC will never threaten you, say you must transfer your money to “protect it,” or tell you to withdraw cash or buy gold and give it to someone. That’s a scam. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.