Government imposter scams cost consumers twice as much money last year compared to the year before. There was more than $445 million in reported losses.Scammers may spoof a legitimate government agency phone number to call a potential victim and threaten arrest if the person fails to act.Social Security Administration impersonators warn the targeted individual that their identity has been stolen and ask them to verify their Social Security number, which could make them a victim of identity theft. Fake Internal Revenue Service callers threaten arrest unless back taxes are paid. While gift cards are still the payment method of choice for scammers, more are beginning to turn to cryptocurrency. How to avoid becoming a victimGovernment agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS or FBI do not call people with threats or promises of money. Do not trust your caller ID, as scammers can spoof legitimate numbers. Do not click on links inside a text message or email claiming to be from a government agency. Social Security numbers are never suspended.
Government imposter scams cost consumers twice as much money last year compared to the year before. There was more than $445 million in reported losses.
Scammers may spoof a legitimate government agency phone number to call a potential victim and threaten arrest if the person fails to act.
Social Security Administration impersonators warn the targeted individual that their identity has been stolen and ask them to verify their Social Security number, which could make them a victim of identity theft.
Fake Internal Revenue Service callers threaten arrest unless back taxes are paid.
While gift cards are still the payment method of choice for scammers, more are beginning to turn to cryptocurrency.
How to avoid becoming a victim
Government agencies like the Social Security Administration, IRS or FBI do not call people with threats or promises of money.
Do not trust your caller ID, as scammers can spoof legitimate numbers.
Do not click on links inside a text message or email claiming to be from a government agency.
Social Security numbers are never suspended.
