THE SHORT VERSION
Government agencies won’t call, email or text to ask for money or personal information. Hang up, then contact the agency using a number you already know.
A familiar situation
Imagine your caller ID shows a government agency and the caller says your benefits will stop unless you confirm your number today. The pressure is the point. Caller ID can be faked.
1. Notice the signs
Watch for unexpected contact, threats of arrest or lost benefits, demands for payment by wire, gift card, cryptocurrency or payment app, and requests for your Social Security, bank or Medicare number. The FTC warns not to trust caller ID.
2. Hang up, then call back yourself
Hang up or delete the message, and don’t click links in it. If you think it might be real, contact the agency using a number you know is correct, not one the caller gave you. Don’t press numbers on a robocall.
3. Report it
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. If you shared personal information, IdentityTheft.gov walks you through next steps.
One thing to try today
Save the real phone numbers for Social Security, Medicare and your bank in your contacts now, so you have a trusted number ready if a call worries you.
Read more from trusted sources
General educational guidance. If you believe someone has stolen your information or money, use the official recovery guidance at IdentityTheft.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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