Phone Impersonation

🔍 How It Works

Scammers call pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement. They claim you owe money or your benefits are at risk. They threaten arrest or legal action to scare you into paying immediately.

📝 Real Examples

• •Someone calls saying they're from the IRS and you owe $5,000 in back taxes. They say police are on the way unless you pay with gift cards.
• •A caller claims your Social Security number has been compromised and used in crimes. They need you to 'verify' your number.
• •An automated message says there's a warrant for your arrest and to press 1 to speak with an officer.

⚠️ Warning Signs

• •Threats of arrest or legal action
• •Demand for immediate payment
• •Asking for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• •Caller ID shows a government agency name
• •They say 'don't tell anyone'

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• •Hang up immediately — the IRS always contacts by mail first
• •Never give personal information over the phone to incoming callers
• •Call the agency directly using the number from their official website
• •Tell a family member or friend about the call

📋 What To Do If It Happens

• •Hang up and do not call back
• •Write down the phone number if you can
• •Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
• •Block the number on your phone

📞 Where to Report

• •FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• •IRS: 1-800-366-4484
• •SSA: 1-800-269-0271