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Independent consumer protection publication Educational guidance — not legal or financial advice

Category: Government Scam

Government impersonation scams: fake IRS, Medicare, Social Security, and law enforcement demands. Read our government scam hub and Medicare phone scam guide.

How to use this Government Scam resource

Government impersonators use threats, fake badges, spoofed caller ID, and promised refunds. Real agencies provide written procedures and do not demand secrecy or gift-card payment.

Start here

Official reporting resources

Frequently asked questions

Will a government agency threaten immediate arrest by phone?

Unexpected threats demanding immediate payment are a hallmark of impersonation fraud. End the call and contact the agency through its official website.

Can government fees be paid with gift cards or crypto?

No legitimate U.S. government agency requires gift cards or cryptocurrency to settle a debt or release a refund.