IRS & Social Security Impersonation Scams
Americans lost $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, according to the FTC.
Quick Answer
Government impersonation scams, where criminals pose as IRS or Social Security officials, resulted in reported losses of $618 million in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
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How It Works
1
A scammer contacts you unexpectedly by phone, email, text, or social media, claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration (SSA). The caller ID or email address may be spoofed to look official.
2
The impersonator creates a sense of urgency or fear. They may claim your Social Security number has been suspended or used in a crime, that you owe back taxes and face arrest, or that your benefits are at risk.
3
The scammer demands immediate payment to resolve the fake problem. They instruct you to pay using specific, hard-to-trace methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or by mailing cash.
4
To appear legitimate, the scammer may provide a fake badge number, a case number, or transfer you to another fake official, such as a supposed FBI agent, to increase the pressure.
Red Flags
- Receiving an unsolicited call, text, or email threatening arrest or suspension of your Social Security number.
- Being pressured to make an immediate payment to avoid legal action or to secure your benefits.
- Instructions to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or by mailing cash.
- A government agent demanding secrecy or telling you not to speak with family or an attorney.
- The caller ID or email appears to be from a government agency, but the demands are suspicious.
- Claims that you can receive an increase in benefits or resolve a problem by paying a fee.
- Threats of deportation or having your driver's license revoked.
What to Do If Targeted
- Hang up the phone immediately if you receive a suspicious call. Do not press any numbers.
- Do not click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages.
- Never provide personal information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card number.
- Remember that legitimate government agencies will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.
- Independently verify the agency's contact information using their official website and call them directly if you are concerned.
- Report the scam attempt to the appropriate authorities, even if you did not lose any money.
How to Report It
- FTC — File a fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission, the primary agency for collecting scam data.
- FBI IC3 — Report internet-based crime to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
- SSA OIG — Report scams specifically impersonating the Social Security Administration.
- TIGTA — Report scams impersonating the IRS to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
- FCC — File a complaint about phone scams, robocalls, or unwanted calls with the Federal Communications Commission.
- AARP Fraud Helpline — Call 877-908-3360 for free support from trained fraud specialists. Available to anyone, not just AARP members.
Key Statistics
- Reported losses to government impersonation scams reached $618 million in 2023. — FTC 2024
- The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 14,190 complaints about government impersonation scams in 2023, with losses over $394 million. — FBI IC3 2023 Internet Crime Report
- In 2023, the FTC received nearly 160,000 reports of government impersonation scams. — FTC Data Spotlight 2024
- The median loss for victims who paid government impersonation scammers with cash in early 2024 was $14,740. — FTC 2024
- The Social Security Administration remains the most frequently impersonated government agency in these scams. — SSA OIG 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. Generally, the IRS and SSA initiate contact through U.S. Mail. They will never call, text, or email you to threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment for a tax debt or issue with your benefits.
Scammers demand payment methods that are difficult to trace and recover. They will often insist on payment via wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or by having you mail cash. Real government agencies will never ask for payment using these methods.
Yes, people of all ages are targeted. While older adults often report higher financial losses per incident, younger adults report losing money to fraud more frequently. Scammers do not discriminate based on age.
No, your Social Security number cannot be suspended, blocked, frozen, or revoked. Scammers use this threat to create fear and a sense of urgency. Any communication claiming your SSN is suspended is a scam.
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