Government impostor scams
Medicare, Social Security and IRS Scam Calls
The caller sounds official, knows your name, and says your benefits will stop or you’ll be arrested unless you act now. Calls like these are some of the most common scams aimed at seniors. Here’s how to tell, and what to do.
Warning signs
- Threats of arrest, lawsuits, or your benefits being suspended
- Asking for your Medicare, Social Security or bank account number to “verify” you
- Medicare card scam: offers of a “new Medicare card,” free medical equipment or genetic tests
- Fake Social Security benefits call: “your benefits are suspended” or “your number was used in a crime”
- Demands to pay by gift card, wire, cash or cryptocurrency
- Caller ID that shows a real agency name. This can be faked.
What to do
- Hang up. Don’t press any buttons or give any numbers.
- Check it yourself by calling the number you look up, not the one they gave you: Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213.
- Remember: the IRS usually contacts you by mail first, and these agencies don’t demand payment by gift card or threaten arrest over the phone.
- Report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- If you shared information or paid, see what to do right now.
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