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IRS, Social Security or Medicare call: how to tell if it's fake

Real IRS, Social Security and Medicare staff do not call out of the blue to threaten arrest, demand immediate payment, or ask you to pay by gift card, crypto, wire transfer or cash. Hang up, do not trust caller ID, and contact the agency yourself using its official website or a number you look up. A real problem with your taxes or benefits normally starts with a letter.
A plain white window envelope with a red pencil lying across it on a white table
Photo: Monfocus on Pixabay

If a caller says they're from the government

Tap each one as you check it.

What these calls sound like

The caller says there is a problem: your Social Security number has been linked to a crime, you owe back taxes, or your Medicare card needs replacing. It is urgent, there may be an arrest warrant, and the fix is to pay now or confirm your details. The number on your screen may even look like the real agency's.

Example. Names and numbers are made up.

What the real agencies say they never do

What the fake caller does

  • Says your Social Security number is suspended
  • Threatens arrest unless you pay right away
  • Wants gift cards, crypto, wire transfers, gold or cash
  • Asks for your Medicare number on a call you did not expect
  • Tells you to move money to a “protected” account

What the real agency does

  • Social Security does not suspend your number because someone used it in a crime
  • The IRS generally contacts you by mail first and does not call to threaten arrest
  • Social Security mails a letter with payment options and appeal rights if you owe
  • Medicare never calls uninvited asking for personal information
  • No real agency asks you to move money to keep it safe
Social Security says it will never threaten, scare or pressure you to take an immediate action.

Newer tricks to watch for

  • A “transfer” to a law enforcement agent. Social Security says other companies and agencies cannot transfer your call directly to it or to its Inspector General.
  • Photos of badges or official-looking letters sent by text or email. Federal employees do not send pictures of credentials to demand payment.
  • Someone coming to your home to collect cash, gold or other valuables.
  • Being told to keep it secret, including from your bank or family.
  • Claims that you must pay or share details to “activate” a cost-of-living increase, which Social Security lists as a scam tactic.

The FTC says reports of government imposter scams rose 40% in 2025. In 2025, Social Security's Inspector General said it was still the most impersonated government agency.

How to reach the real agency

  1. Hang up. Do not call back the number the caller gave you or the one on your caller ID.
  2. For taxes, sign in to your account on IRS.gov to see whether you owe anything.
  3. For Social Security, go to ssa.gov yourself or sign in to your my Social Security account.
  4. For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  5. If you are still unsure, talk it through with someone you trust before you do anything.

If it already happened

  1. Stop talking to the caller and block the number. If you paid by bank transfer or card, call your bank on the number on your card now.
  2. If you gave your Social Security number, place a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian or TransUnion and get a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
  3. Report Social Security scams to its Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov, IRS scams through IRS.gov/SubmitATip, and Medicare scams to 1-800-MEDICARE.
  4. Sign in to or create your my Social Security account. Social Security says you will be alerted if anyone tries to change your address or direct deposit.
  5. Call your local police to report it. Social Security's advice is that being scammed is not your fault.
  • ReportFraud.ftc.govReport the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.
  • IC3.govThe FBI’s internet crime complaint center, for losses online.
  • IdentityTheft.govIf they got your ID, Social Security number or account details.

Questions

Can my Social Security number be suspended?
No. Social Security's Inspector General says it will not suspend your number because someone else used it in a crime. A caller who says so is a scammer.
Does the IRS ever call you?
The IRS generally contacts people by mail first. It says it does not leave urgent, threatening recorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest.
Will Medicare call me about my card or number?
Medicare says it will never call you uninvited and ask for personal or private information. The FTC adds that Medicare sends cards automatically and for free.
The caller ID showed the real agency's number. Is it real?
Not necessarily. Scammers can fake caller ID to show government numbers, or even a local police department. Hang up and call the agency yourself.

Real agencies verify you through their own websites and letters, not a stranger's call. When someone you meet online asks for money, you can ask them to prove who they are with a Realr check.

Ask them to verify

Sources

Checked against the sources above on 17 October 2026. By Manav Sharma, Marketing Team, Realr. This is general guidance, not legal advice.

Ask them to prove who they are, before you pay or meet.

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