Government impostor scams: when “the FTC,” IRS or police call

📅 Checked as of October 2026. Apps and rules change, so check the sources below if something looks different.

The new twist: “We’ll deactivate your phone number”

On October 22, 2026, the FTC warned about this script:

1. Someone claiming to be an FTC official says a phone registered in your name is being used for scams in another country. They read out a badge ID. It’s fake.
2. If you don’t cooperate, they threaten to deactivate your phone number.
3. They transfer you to a “police officer” to file a report. If you hesitate, they tell you what to search online to call the “police” back yourself. It feels like checking, but the number you find is answered by the scammers.
4. They ask for your ID and personal details and tell you to keep everything secret.
5. Later they say you’re under arrest and must travel to another country, unless you send money for a “security deposit”.

The FTC is clear: a real FTC employee will never ask you to send money, never connect you to someone who does, never threaten to disconnect your phone, never tell you to keep a conversation secret and never text you a photo of their employee ID.

Who they pretend to be

• The FTC: a fake prize or “federally supervised” sweepstakes you must pay taxes or fees on, a fake “Refund Department” asking for your bank number, or threats like the one above. Real FTC refunds come by check, prepaid card or PayPal, and you can check the list of cases at ftc.gov/refunds.
• Social Security: your benefits will stop or your Social Security number will be “suspended” unless you pay. The real Social Security Administration won’t threaten you or suspend your number.
• The IRS: you owe taxes and will be arrested unless you pay now. The IRS contacts you by mail if you owe, and won’t call about your taxes unless you set up an appointment.
• Medicare: they need your Medicare or bank number for a “new card” or an equipment claim you don’t remember. Medicare sends cards automatically and for free.
• Sheriff, court or immigration: a warrant, missed jury duty or a problem with an application that you must pay to fix. Some scammers even invent agencies, like the non-existent “National Sweepstakes Bureau.” Check the real list of agencies at USA.gov.

Related: on October 26, 2026, the FTC also warned about callers using the names of real charities to say you’ve won a sweepstakes because you donated. Real prizes are free. If you’re asked to pay to claim one, it’s a scam.

Red flags

• A threat: arrest, a cut-off phone, lost benefits or deportation.
• A rush: “you must act today.”
• A demand for secrecy, even from your family or bank.
• A transfer to “police” or a “supervisor,” or being told what to search online to call back.
• A request for your Social Security, Medicare or bank number, or a photo of your ID.
• Caller ID that shows a real agency name or number. Caller ID can be faked.

What to do

1. Hang up or delete the message. If it’s a robocall, don’t press any numbers.
2. Check for yourself. Look up the agency’s number on its official website (for example, the IRS at 800-829-1040 or 1-800-MEDICARE, 1-800-633-4227). Don’t use the number the caller gives you, the one on your caller ID, or one they tell you to search for.
3. Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. IRS impostors can also be reported to TIGTA.
4. Shared personal details? Get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov, and think about a credit freeze.
5. Sent money? Contact your bank, card company or the gift card company right away and ask to stop or reverse the payment.

Quick tips

• Talk about this call with older relatives. The secrecy demand is exactly what keeps people from asking for help.
• Save your bank’s and doctor’s numbers in your contacts so real calls stand out.
• Filter unknown callers and report scam numbers: How to block and report scam texts and calls.
• Practice spotting fakes with Scam or Legit?

Sources

• FTC consumer alert (Oct 22, 2026): The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number
• FTC: How to avoid a government impersonation scam
• FTC consumer alert (Oct 26, 2026): Spot scammers impersonating well-known charities and sweepstakes
• FTC: FTC impersonators
• ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• IdentityTheft.gov