Get a call from someone claiming you owe the Social Security Administration or IRS money? It could be a government imposter scam. Tune in to find out more.


Script:

You get a call.

Your caller ID says “Social Security Administration” or “IRS.” Thinking it’s the government calling, you answer.

When you pick up, the caller might tell you they’re from a specific division or bureau from a federal agency. To establish their credibility, they may present a “badge number or give you a piece of personal information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Then, the caller might tell you – your social security number has been suspended or you owe them or their agency money. They may even threaten that if you don’t pay their agency now, you’ll be arrested or your bank account will be frozen.

If you receive a call like this, write down the caller’s information and hang up. It’s most likely a government imposter scam.

Know that your social security number has not been suspended and your bank account will not be frozen. The IRS and Social Security Administration will never call you and ask you to wire money or send cash. Government imposters will.

To help us catch illegal government imposters, report the call at ftc.gov/complaint.

For more information on government imposter scams, or scams in general, please visit consumer.ftc.gov.

Thanks for tuning in and stay safe.