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Action Guide Scams & Fraud Reviewed Sep 7, 2026 Source: Federal Trade Commission

Government Imposter Scam

What to do when someone claims to be from Social Security, IRS, Medicare, police, courts, immigration or another government office.

Start With First Steps Evidence Checklist Reporting Path Open Defentra
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01

Right Summary

The main consumer right or issue explained fast

Government imposter scams use authority and fear to pressure consumers into paying money, giving information or taking urgent action.

02

What This Means

Plain-English breakdown of the problem

Scammers may claim there is a warrant, suspended Social Security number, tax issue, benefit problem, jury duty issue, immigration threat or law-enforcement matter.

03

What To Save

Evidence that can matter later
Proof Receipts, bills, letters, emails, screenshots, account records, photos, videos or notices.
Timeline Dates, times, names, phone numbers, websites, payment details and support case numbers.
Responses Save every reply from the business, bank, collector, agency, platform or provider.

Save caller ID, phone numbers, voicemails, emails, texts, letters, payment instructions, names, badge numbers claimed and screenshots.

04

What To Do First

The first clean action path

Stop contact and verify through the official agency website or official public number. Report the scam through the proper channel.

05

What Not To Do

Common mistakes that can make the issue worse

Do not pay with gift cards, crypto, wire transfers or payment apps because a caller says the government requires it. Do not trust threats of arrest from an unknown caller.

06

Where To Report Or Escalate

Possible complaint, agency, company or platform paths

FTC ReportFraud.gov, the real agency being impersonated, SSA scam reporting for Social Security scams and IRS scam reporting for tax scams.

08

Defentra / Elite Action

How this resource connects to evidence, scanning and action

Use Defentra to scan messages, save voicemails and build a fraud timeline.

Open Defentra Report A Scam Elite Support
09

Source / Review File

Internal quality and trust signals
Resource Type Action Guide
Resource Area Scams & Fraud
Last Reviewed Sep 7, 2026
Primary Source Federal Trade Commission
10

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Educational Notice

Important limitation

This resource is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, deadlines, reporting paths and requirements can vary by state, account type, product, service, contract, agency rules and case facts.