Learn Government impostors
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IRS, Social Security and Medicare impostor scams
A caller or message claims to be from a tax, benefits or health agency and wants your Social Security number, bank details or a payment.
What it often looks like
"Your tax refund is on hold. Verify your identity to release it."
"You owe back taxes. Pay today to avoid further action."
"Your Social Security number has been suspended."
"Your new health benefit card is ready. Confirm your plan and bank details."
Red flags
- Being asked for your Social Security or Medicare number by someone who contacted you
The rest of this lesson comes free with an account
The full lesson includes:
- How the scam works, step by step (4 points)
- 4 more red flags
- What to do instead (4 habits)
- The one line to remember
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If you already clicked, paid or shared something
It happens to careful, smart people. Acting quickly helps most. (This part of every lesson is free for everyone.)
- If you shared your Social Security number, you can freeze your credit for free with each of the three credit bureaus.
- If you shared your Medicare number, call 1-800-MEDICARE and check your Medicare statements for services you didn't get.
- If you paid with a gift card, contact the gift card company right away; keep the card and the receipt.
- Report it: Social Security impostors at oig.ssa.gov, tax impostors to the IRS (search "report phishing" on irs.gov), and any of these at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Check or report
- Report fraud to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Social Security impostor scams: oig.ssa.gov
- IRS: recognize tax scams
- Medicare: protect yourself from fraud
AARP's free Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360) will also talk you through what to do, whether or not you're a member.