Government Impersonation Calls
A caller claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or another government agency and threatens legal action.
How the scam works
The caller claims you owe back taxes or that your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
They threaten arrest, fines, or loss of benefits if you do not act immediately.
You are told to pay using gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to resolve the issue.
Common warning signs
- You are threatened with arrest or legal action over the phone.
- Payment is demanded by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
- The caller says your Social Security number has been “suspended.”
- You are told not to discuss the call with anyone.
What to do
- Hang up. Government agencies do not threaten arrest over the phone or demand gift-card payment.
- If you want to confirm, call the agency directly using the number on their official website or on past mail you received.
- Talk it through with a trusted family member or Senior Signal before responding.
What not to do
- Do not pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Do not give out your Social Security number to confirm your identity.
- Do not call back a number given to you by the caller.
Example message
Unknown
This is an urgent notice from the IRS. Failure to respond within 24 hours will result in a warrant for your arrest.
Never call a phone number contained in a suspicious message. Instead, use the official phone number printed on your card, statement, or the organization's official website.
When to contact Senior Signal
If you get a call like this, contact Senior Signal before doing anything the caller asks.