Who: The FTC collects reports of government imposter scams.
When to use: Use when someone pretended to be any government agency.
What to prepare:
- Agency they claimed
- How they contacted you
- What they asked for
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Impersonation
Government imposter scams
How it often plays out
A woman claiming to be from “Medicare” calls Patricia and says her new card requires a fee and her bank details to activate. Patricia gives her account number. Real Medicare does not call to “activate” cards or ask for payment or bank details over the phone—scammers impersonate agencies to steal money and identity. Other common variants: police or sheriff "warrant" calls, jury duty fines, immigration/USCIS, FBI/DEA, census workers, or fake relief or stimulus checks.
How to spot it
- Calls or messages claiming you have a warrant, missed jury duty, or must pay a fine to avoid arrest.
- Impersonation of immigration, FBI, DEA, or census to get money or personal data.
- Offers of "relief" or "stimulus" that require a fee or your bank details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Hang up or delete the message; contact the real agency via their official website.
- Save the phone number, email, or message.
- Report using the links below.
Don't
- Send money or give Social Security numbers or account details.
- Believe that a government agency demands immediate payment by gift cards, wire, or crypto.
- Trust caller ID; numbers can be spoofed.
Summary & what to do
Someone pretends to be from a government agency (IRS, SSA, Medicare, police, sheriff, jury office, immigration/USCIS, FBI/DEA, census, or "relief" programs) to scare you into paying or sharing personal information. Report to stop them and protect others.
What to do right now
- Stop contact. Real agencies do not demand immediate payment by gift cards, wire, or crypto.
- Do not send money or give Social Security numbers or account details.
- Save evidence and report using the links below.
Where to report
Who: The FBI's IC3 handles internet-related fraud and impersonation.
When to use: Use when the contact was by email, phone, or online.
What to prepare:
- Dates
- Contact method
- Amount if any
Go to IC3~10 min