Government Impostor Scams: What You Need to Know

In an era where digital communication makes it easier than ever for scammers to disguise themselves, many Americans continue to fall victim to government impostor scams. These deceptive operations rely on fear and authority, using fake credentials and urgent threats to convince consumers that they’re speaking with legitimate officials.

“These government impostor scams aim to scare people into sending money or revealing sensitive data,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas. “Scammers impersonate well-known agencies and use fear tactics to press victims to take action.”

The Stakes Are High

• The median loss for many victims is about $960, rising to $2,700 for consumers over age 60.
• Only about 6% of people who receive such calls report losing money, but the sheer volume makes the scheme profitable.
• Many scams originate internationally, using VoIP and spoofing tools to hide their tracks.

BBB provides the following tips to keep from becoming a victim:

Don’t trust caller ID alone. Independently verify by contacting the agency yourself.

Know how real government agencies act. They don’t demand instant payments via gift cards, nor do they threaten arrest by phone.

Avoid unconventional payment methods. Remember, gift cards, crypto, and peer transfers are red flags.

Guard your personal information. Don’t share financial or personally identifiable information unless you initiated the contact.

Check email domains. Official messages should come from “.gov” or “.mil” addresses.

Report suspicious behavior. Use the FTC’s ReportFraud site and BBB’s ScamTracker.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted:

• End the call or stop replying.

• Directly contact the supposed agency using a known, official contact method.

• Monitor financial statements; consider fraud alerts or credit freezes. Contact your financial institutions if necessary.

For more about Government impostor scams, go to bbb.org. Please report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices to BBB Scam Tracker. Remember, great businesses are out there. Always look for the BBB seal; it’s the Sign of a Better BusinessSM . Start with companies you can trust by going to bbb.org.

About BBB: BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties.