The IRS Isn’t Sliding Into Your DMs for Crypto — And Other Government Scams To Avoid
Government impersonation scams have been around for decades, but they’ve moved far beyond the old-fashioned phone call. Today’s fakes can arrive by text, email, social media or a search ad. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 375,000 reports of these scams in 2025 alone, with reported losses topping $900 million, per the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Convincing fakes are the whole point, so knowing how real agencies actually operate beats trying to spot a dodgy logo. Once you know what legit contact looks like, the scam loses its punch. Here’s who’s most often impersonated, and how to tell the difference.
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The IRS Doesn’t Slide Into DMs
One of the clearest anti-fraud rules comes from the IRS, who makes it clear they will not DM, email or text you with a threat or a demand for payment via apps or crypto (a common scammer move). Per the FTC, the IRS generally only contacts taxpayers regarding unpaid taxes by mail.
Scammers usually pose a variant of the following: that you owe money and will be arrested or lose your driver’s license if you don’t pay. The scammers may even have some of your personal details, making the call sound all the more real.
If you get a DM or call from the IRS, check your tax account through the IRS website or contact the agency through their publicly available phone number instead.
Social Security Threats Are a Red Flag
Social Security impersonators will often tell you that your benefits will be discontinued, or that even your very own Social Security number will be suspended unless you pay immediately. Like IRS scammers, they ask for payment via crypto and apps, or even gift cards.
The real SSA will not threaten you in this way, nor demand payment via those methods. Ignore any suspicious messages and contact the agency through its official website if you have any questions or confusion.
Medicare Scams Target Your Information
You will likely be offered a “new” Medicare card by Medicare scammers, asking for your bank account and Medicare info to “verify” your identity. It’s a wholly bogus pitch, as Medicare sends cards automatically and for free.
Another Medicare scam involves a medical equipment claim. The caller will ask for your Medicare number, potentially to use it for fraudulent equipment claims. Never respond to an unexpected information request like this; you can contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if you have any questions about your claims or card.
Even the FTC, Courts and Toll Agencies Get Impersonated
Fraudsters will even come for you under the guise of the FTC, promising to recover money from an earlier scam, or offering a prize but needing your bank information first. The real FTC will never demand money, threaten arrests or promise prizes.
Local officials are another disguise favored by scammers. You could receive a call alerting you to the fact that you missed jury duty or have an arrest warrant/court fine, insisting you need to pay quickly lest the legal hammer come down on you fast. Bogus toll notices work similarly, using familiar names like E-ZPass or FasTrak to push you towards a payment link for a toll you forgot to pay.
Don’t Let Yourself Be Rushed Into a Scam
The most useful protection against these ruses is to break the scammer’s sense of urgency. A legit government contact will never require you to make a snap financial decision through a DM or by phone. Also, remember that Caller ID is not an official proof of identity.
If any government agency tries to rush you into paying (especially via such unusual means as crypto or a gift card), immediately pump the brakes in the conversation. Verify the situation independently through that agency’s official website or listed phone number.
Finally, if you do encounter a government impersonation scam, report it to the FTC immediately at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you accidentally gave out personal information to a scammer, the FTC will direct you to IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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