Scammers often pose as the IRS, Social Security, law enforcement, or local utility companies to create fear or urgency. These impersonation attempts are designed to intimidate you into paying money or sharing sensitive information.
Click on each scam type to learn how these scams typically work so you can stay protected.
Scammers pretend to be government agencies and claim you owe money or that your benefits are being cut off. They often use threats, such as arrest or fines, to scare you. They may ask for personal information like your Social Security number.
Government agencies do not call or text demanding immediate payment. If you get a message like this, it’s a scam.
You may receive a call saying there is a warrant for your arrest or unpaid fines. The caller usually pretends to be a sheriff or police officer. They may demand payment or ask for sensitive information.
Real law enforcement will never call you to collect money or request gift cards. If you get a call like this, hang up and call the agency directly.
Scammers may claim you missed jury duty and now owe a fine or are at risk of arrest. They try to pressure you into paying immediately to “clear the warrant.” They may also ask for personal information to “verify your identity.”
Real courts handle jury duty matters by mail, not phone calls. Any request for payment over the phone is a scam.
A scammer may pretend to be your electric, gas, or water company and say your service will be shut off unless you pay right away. These calls usually demand payment through gift cards, prepaid cards, or apps. They rely on urgency to make you act quickly.
Real utility companies do not operate this way. Always contact your provider directly using a number on your bill.