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Government Impersonation
Scammers posing as IRS, CRA, police, or other government officials demanding payment or personal information.
How This Scam Works
- 1You receive a call, email, or letter claiming to be from a government agency
- 2They claim you owe taxes, have legal issues, or your benefits are at risk
- 3They demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto
- 4They threaten arrest, deportation, or benefit cancellation if you don't pay
Red Flags to Watch For
- Government agencies never demand payment via gift cards or crypto
- Threats of immediate arrest
- Requests to keep the matter secret
- Caller ID showing a government number (can be spoofed)
- Pressure to act immediately without time to verify
What to Do If You're a Victim
- Hang up and call the agency directly using their official number
- Never give personal information to unexpected callers
- Report to FTC (US), CAFC (Canada), or cybercrime.gov.in (India)