Calls from people pretending to be government agencies are always near the top of the most-reported list. The script changes, but the warning signs stay the same.
Warning signs
- They say your Social Security number has been “suspended”. SSNs are never suspended.
- They threaten arrest, deportation or a suspended licence unless you act now.
- They want payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cash pickup.
- Caller ID shows a real agency’s phone number. Caller ID is easy to fake.
The 10-second rule
Hang up. Then call the agency yourself, using the number on its official website. The SSA and IRS usually contact people by mail first, and they never demand immediate payment by gift card.
Report it
Report the number on FreeSpy so others are warned. Then file a report with the SSA Office of the Inspector General (oig.ssa.gov), with TIGTA for IRS imposters, or with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. In Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.