If you’ve been the victim of a scammer, you’re not alone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans lost an estimated $8.8 billion to fraudsters in 2022 alone.
These schemes are becoming harder to detect as con artists get more creative in making their identities look legitimate. Failing to detect such scams can lead to unsuspecting citizens paying phony fines, taxes, or other fees.
One common tactic these swindlers use is to pretend to be from government agencies. Check out the following list of common government imposter scams to avoid wasting money by falling victim to them.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
USPS package delivery scam
The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) sends out real text messages to update you on the status of packages. Swindlers are taking advantage of this practice by sending similar but fake text messages that purport to come from the USPS.
These texts contain a link that, when clicked, seeks to gather personally-identifying information. This practice is called “smishing.” If you receive an unsolicited text like this, report it to the USPS.
Social Security benefits scam
These fraudsters impersonate representatives from the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to collect money or personal information from victims.
Be extra careful here: Scammers are known to try to fool victims by falsely using the name of an actual SSA employee and sometimes even a picture.
IRS scam
A recent Internal Revenue Service impersonation scam has so far impacted 6,400 victims across the U.S. who paid $36.5 million in fraudulent “tax collections.”
In this scheme, fraudsters claim to represent the IRS and demand immediate payment of outstanding taxes, usually via wire service. Scammers threaten victims with arrest if the latter do not pay immediately.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Department of motor vehicles scam
Fake websites that appear to be from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) lure unsuspecting drivers to renew their licenses or register their vehicles online.
Later, victims discover that they’ve been duped into giving away bits of personal information — such as Social Security numbers or driver’s license numbers — that con artists can use to commit identity fraud.
SNAP benefits scam
You don’t have to be rich to be the target of scammers. Some con artists prey upon people receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
In this hoax, recipients receive a text that their SNAP electronic benefit transfer card has been locked and must call a given number to unlock it.
This phishing scam seeks to get sensitive personal information out of victims, including PINs, to their cards so that the scammers can skim SNAP benefits.
Trending Stories
FBI scam
In this scam, criminals pretending to be from the FBI call or text from what appear to be legitimate numbers and try to extract money or personally identifying information from their victims.
They may threaten to arrest you, take your property, or freeze your accounts if you don’t pay. Don’t fall for this scam: The FBI will never ask for money.
CIA email scam
Some folks report receiving phony emails from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These emails might contain malware viruses that could harm a computer. In reality, the CIA never sends unsolicited emails to the public.
HUD scam
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) are among those warning about a scam in which crooks pretend to represent HUD when targeting businesses.
These scammers make phony purchase orders, usually for hard drives, computers, or medical equipment.
Unlike many other scams, this one targets businesses and corporations. That's a reminder that you must be alert even when you’re at work.
Police impersonator scam
This con usually comes from a legitimate-looking law enforcement phone number. But the “officer” claims the victim has an outstanding warrant or has missed a court date.
The scammer then insists that the victim pay money immediately to avoid arrest.
The scammer — who may use the name of a real officer — might even demand cryptocurrency or gift cards as a form of payment. The best way to fight this scam is to hang up and report it to the police department.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Student loan scam
Many con artists have capitalized on the buzz surrounding student loan forgiveness by aggressively advertising that borrowers should “act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness before the program is discontinued.”
This creates a sense of urgency so scammers can extract fictitious “student loan cancellation fees” or sensitive information.
To avoid these scams, don’t respond to emails that are not from noreply@studentaid.gov, noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov, or ed.gov@public.govdelivery.com.
Also, remember that official Federal Student Aid texts are always sent from 227722 and 51592.
Bottom line
Fraudsters are becoming more inventive all the time, making their cons look increasingly convincing. Protecting yourself from these scams can help you keep more money in your wallet.
Be wary of anyone who says they’re from a government agency, especially if you haven’t made the initial contact. If you’re unsure if someone contacting you is from the government, hang up or call the agency directly.
Also, keep your guard up if you get unusual requests. Government representatives will never ask you to wire money or pay in alternative forms like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.