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You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay up or give them your financial information.

In other cases, it sounds less scary and more like your lucky day. The call, text, or email will say you’ve won a prize, the lottery, or a grant — but you need to pay some fees or taxes to get your winnings.

These are all scams. Scammers will try to make it seem legitimate. They might give you a badge number, or even know information like the last four digits of your Social Security number. A Washington, D.C. area code on your caller ID also might seem convincing. But caller ID can be faked.

If someone calls, texts, or emails saying they’re with the government and you must pay, stop.

  • Never send money — especially by gift card, cash reload card, or money transfer. No government agency will threaten you or demand payment this way.
  • Don’t give out your personal or financial information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails.
  • If you sent money to a government imposter, contact the company you used to send the money (gift card company, cash reload card company, or wire transfer service) and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask to have the transaction reversed if possible.
  • Report it to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.

July is Military Consumer Month. Share this video and help military families avoid IRS and government imposters.

 

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
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  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Medprofessor
July 30, 2018
I get these all of the time, and I am careful not to press redial back to them. I usually will call on another line, and all I get is a busy signal. Someone told me the number cannot be traced, since they can change the location of that same number anytime.
DenisBH
July 30, 2018
Who falls for these things?
Cheryl2988
August 01, 2018

In reply to by DenisBH

Although I am on the National DNC list (which scammers ignore), as a rule of thumb I never answer calls from numbers I do not recognize, even if they look local. I let them go to my voicemail. Fortunately, only a few has been threatening which I ignore, but I put them all on the 'block' list...even if there's no message left. Thus far it seems to be working extremely well and its been over a year!
amg00448
March 22, 2019

In reply to by Janna303

I got them back real good. They would call and I would ask them who is your supervisor? Usually they can't remember. I would ask which branch they worked at and of course they would say in Washington. Ok cool, who is your supervisor. Can't tell me. I would tell them they're lying because I work for the IRS. Dead silence. They hung up and I haven't heard from them since.
jmoeller
July 30, 2018
I dream of the day when EVERYONE stops falling for scams and ALL scams (in person, by mail, via phone, and electronic) cease to exist. Hope springs eternal ...alternate reality.
Dr Dan
July 30, 2018
I know what you about the fake scam on internet
ChuckS
July 30, 2018
Thank you for doing these - very informing and encouraging!
Star
July 30, 2018
Thank you for Clarifying this information, this exact thing happened to us, received a call asking for my husband giving former addresses place of employment etc. he had done nothing wrong so we didn’t worry about it too much but our son is a Jr. so we warned him. Myself I have had my Idenity stolen over and over for the last 5 years I try to be very careful! Thank you again
sheilaz
July 30, 2018
Just a reminder, folks. Don't fall for scams.
jas
July 30, 2018
Why can't the local and federal government take more action against these scammers. You can back trace them by the phone numbers and confiscate their phone numbers. Levy fines against the phone companies for selling banks of numbers for illegal use.
tinytuliptim
July 30, 2018
Today I answered all the phone calls I have been receiving, but, knowing they (by my caller id) are #'s I do not recognize. 9 hrs into the day I have received all the scam calls I have heard about and many many TOO MANY robo calls. MAKES ME SICK TO KNOW THSE CROOKS EXIST.
Carmen pringle 2016
July 30, 2018
Thanks. I have a lots of emails with like that.
jules
July 30, 2018
Thank you. I did receive the same phone call about 4-5 times about a $7900 check that was waiting for me. Once I called they would send the and then there would be a small fee to get the $90 thousand check remaining. I hung up!
Don't use your…
July 30, 2018
They tried to scam me too.
Gypsyjim
July 30, 2018
Call 972 232 9849. They say they are Dallas social security
guesswho
October 03, 2018

In reply to by Gypsyjim

Got 3 of these calls just today. Just out of curiously I answered the second one just to hear what the latest scam going around was. Sure enough, "blah, blah, blah, this is Social Security your SS# number has been breached. Call 972-592-8410 . . . . " robocall older sounding female voice speaking slowly as if to deceive the elderly who can't follow fast talking scammer robocalls. Just another scam trying to get you to call this 972 number back and rack up a huge bill on YOUR PHONE. Why AREN'T the GOV AND PHONE COMPANIES DOING MORE TO STOP THESE TYPES OF CALLS? Because of "Pay To Play" at the highest levels of BOTH Parties? And some wonder why not? Silly if it's not obvious.
charfin
July 30, 2018
I have received quite a few calls and texts from people saying they are with the IRS and I owe back taxes. I never co-operate with them and have reported two or three telephone numbers for the FTC
Elizabeth
August 17, 2018

In reply to by charfin

I keep getting the phone calls and I just try to ignore them and don't let it ruin my day. I just did the form to let them know that is going on. I know they will find other number to call from and just right now i have that number block.
Elizabeth
August 17, 2018

In reply to by charfin

I keep getting the phone calls and I just try to ignore them and don't let it ruin my day. I just did the form to let them know that is going on. I know they will find other number to call from and just right now i have that number block.
Calvarychapel1
July 30, 2018
i got calls from these numbers trying to get me to call them back saying that they will file cases against me...3602031830, 5742918200, 7145445272... please help me!
Wild Rivers Coast
August 22, 2018

In reply to by Calvarychapel1

My son-in-law, my daughter, and my ex-husband each got a voicemail on their cell phones from a blocked number. A man said he was trying to contact me. He didn’t identify himself or his organization. He listed off my full address, gave a case number, and said I should call “the clerk” At 855-968-2751 and give them the case number. How did they get my family’s cell phone numbers? My son-in-law‘s cell number is new. I haven’t spoken with my daughter in five years. I haven’t spoken with my ex for at least 15 years. Argh!!
James
November 28, 2018

In reply to by Wild Rivers Coast

I got this same call today. It seems phony to me as I am not sure at all what it could be for. They called me at my job..
andreatepedino
August 01, 2018
Thanks for information.
Girmaye
July 30, 2018
Thank you very much to alerting me this i got a lot of time unfortunately i didn't contact with them the other thing i got phone from scam likely minimum 5 times a day. so, how can i stop this.
Sally
July 30, 2018
I have reported these calls, most of the time the callers are foreign and don't have any idea that the F.B.I. and the local police doesn't go after tax evaders.
1192bunkie
July 30, 2018
They keep calling me I use Hyia for my phone and keep blocking them! It just goes to voicemail... I have alerted my friends about this has been going on about 2 weeks.
Pat
July 30, 2018
I've received calls and text messages to call for over a year now regarding IRS along with a few other scams. Not only in my cell phone and home phone yet also on my messenger. They can actually use other people's info making it look like it is your contact when it is not actually them. I sometimes go into a pug adoption agency site, and just this month someone popped up had a woman and child picture looking very American who said they had two pugs to give away yet I would have to pay airfare for their travel of almost $400. That they had just moved to Morocco and the puppies all right about 3 months old. It took time for her , supposably a her, to get me pictures of the two pugs to me, did not want to release contact info of agency handling transportation yet finally gave me a phone number to call without name of company to verify which took some pushing to get. This went on non finally I told this person that I truly felt they were trying to scam me along with I'm sure many others and just tell rotten of them to do so, and that's saying it nicely, then I blocked them. It would have been great if it was true yet it was not and that's so disappointing. It's like it said, if it looks rotten smells rotten taste right and then it's rotten. Too many of these scams going on.
albert
September 01, 2018

In reply to by Pat

Two more giveaways to it being a scam were a quick trip from an overseas country (going through necessary veterinary health channels) and delivery to the pet to one's home --once again the pet would be subjected to a hold to assure good health protecting the pet and the human recipient.
Don't use your…
July 31, 2018
I have received several messages recorded messages on my phone stating that there is a warrant for my arrest if I do not pay. I have hung up the phone.. However I was scammed in May 2018 by an individual for several thousands of dollars into a company P& C Bank account and never received my money back after they stopped answering my calls. Who Shall I Report this too.?
FTC Staff
September 27, 2018

In reply to by Don't use your…

You can report that to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC uses for investigations.

Icansmellascam…
July 31, 2018
I have reported these types of calls several times. Hopefully something is done about them. The scammers are really good about using the Washington, DC area code when calling to try to make it more official. It's really annoying and I have not found a good way to block the calls. Please find these people as there are people who don't know it's a scam.
millerf1
August 02, 2018

In reply to by Icansmellascam…

Just put up the do not disturb 24 hours a day. If it is not a scam then they will leave a voicemail. Beware scammers can also leave voicemails. One did last year with a false story about my property being damaged by their insured company. Add the people you know to your contacts and allow those to ring through.
wjaylee
July 31, 2018
Sick society. I got a few intimidating calls already. Just hang up.
towercraneknottster
August 01, 2018
woman pretending to be a IRS official. Calling and demanding money for back taxes. calling from this number. 646-682-0890 This is the 10th call this month from this number.
StaciL
September 27, 2018
Im besides myself. In no way DO MYSELF OR have owed the IRS OR BACK TAXES IM A CRIME VICTIM WITH NO RELIEF. AND BEEN RECIVED SSI DISABILITY. HAD ANY OFFICIALS. COMPANIES AND ALL BACK ACTORS FACED JUSTICE AND PUNISHMENT I WOULD AT THIS POINT.I WANT A NUMBER I CAN CONTACT YOUR OFFICE TO HELP ME IN MY NIGHTMARE THAYS COST ME TO LOSE MY BREAST TO GAIN GREEN WITH NO..PROTECTIOM NO JUSTICE AND THE CORRUPTION OF THIS PUBLIC AND HORRIFIC NATURE WOULD BE ..100* WONDERFUL TO PUT THESE BAD ACTORS IN COURT ANY DAY.. I AM SO INFURIATED AND APPALLED IM DEMANDING MY CASE IN SCOTUS AND A VEEP CONGRESSIONAL NOW..THANK YOU ..PLEASE CALL I HAVE THE SAME PHONE NUMBER...GODBLESS AND GOD SPEED..
Robin36
August 01, 2018
I never answer calls from numbers I do not recognize. The calls go to my voicemail. I then block that number, even if no message is left. Works fine.
Tater
August 01, 2018
Got a call from prerecorded IRS saying I owe money or I’ll be arsted I call the number back they asked for my full name address and SSN lol I told them they should have that info from the phone # they called.... The IRS hung up on me Lol
Rebecca
August 01, 2018
People need to use their common sense. If, for example, you only had income of $20,000 the IRS isn't going to charge you $50,000 in taxes. Also, if you have not received a notice in the mail to report for Jury duty you are not going to get a threatening phone call from the real authorities for not showing up. It's like when you get those dumb calls saying that you won a sweepstake when you did not enter. Just hang up.
suzieq
August 02, 2018
I received a voice mail that from a robot. It said this is the IRS There has been 4 allegation brought agianst you. You have two business hours to comply. If not federal charges will be brought against me and you will be arrested. You know I didn’t fall for this but there are people that will. I didn’t call them back I just reported them
Msbsolution
August 02, 2018
So I feel sick about having been speaking to a IRS agent for over an hour in the collections department and know her voice very well. During that time she was very short with me and said my payment offer would be rejected. Low and behold this same IRS agent calls from a 714 area code number and doesn't call me but my husband at work, sounding all official and says wants to refer to a certain file number when he calls back, and will accept my 300 dollar payment etc. I had told my husband in the past thankfully the IRS never calls you NEVER! The number she gave out was a 855, number not a 1-800 number. She has called twice now and I kept the recording and her number. Makes me sick that a internal IRS agent is dirty! Here she sits feeding every bit of vital information about me to some scam business. Thankfully she didn't scam me, but I hope she gets caught and jailed! I don't believe her clearance expects this kind of behavior
kenneth.robinson
August 02, 2018
stole multiple accounts fb venmo and email accounts. found user still logged in
ChrisG
August 02, 2018
646-682-0912 is the tax scam everyone else wrote about.
Ed
August 03, 2018
In the Texas / New Mexico area, an electronic voice generated message claiming to be from the social security office claims that criminal charges against you social security number. Criminal action will be taken if you do not call a set phone number. The message is completely "generic", no information is given to identify a specific individual. Message does not seem to leave a recording on any voicemail services except text phone used by the elderly.
scott
August 07, 2018

In reply to by Ed

Yesterday received the same message, supposedly from a "Victor Frank" but voice was computer generated. Phone number I was asked to call was 915-603-4465 that I guess is in El Paso. Already reported it to FTC.
Maggi
October 24, 2018

In reply to by scott

i recievied two calls from a Victor Frank stating my ss numb was used in crimal purchases number call backs were 1-410-929-7827 and 1-410-609-4200
Maggi
October 24, 2018

In reply to by scott

i recievied two calls from a Victor Frank stating my ss numb was used in crimal purchases number call backs were 1-410-929-7827 and 1-410-609-4200
Maggi
October 24, 2018

In reply to by scott

i recievied two calls from a Victor Frank stating my ss numb was used in crimal purchases number call backs were 1-410-929-7827 and 1-410-609-4200
Steven
August 03, 2018
On 08/30/2018/Robo call said, "We are calling from the Investigation team of IRS. We have just received a notification regarding my tax filings from their headquarters which will get expired in the next 24 working hours. And once it is expired, after that I would be taken under custody by the local police. As there are forced serious allegations pressed on my name at this moment. We would request you to get back to us, so we can discuss about this case, before taking any legal action against you. The number to reach us is: 516-303-8340. I repeat, 516-303-8340.” My caller ID only said: Manhasset, NY.
jewels
August 03, 2018
Just got a call from somebody claiming to be from the IRS. Here’s the # 1-908-356-7948. We’ve reported to FTC.