Fraudsters are increasingly using government impersonation fraud to deceive and exploit individuals. This form of scam involves criminals posing as officials from trusted government agencies to pressure victims into providing personal information or money. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 160,000 reports of government impersonation scams were filed in 2023 alone, with reported losses exceeding $260 million. These scams rely on fear, urgency, and the authority of government entities to manipulate targets, making them both effective and dangerous.
Government impersonation fraud typically involves unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be a representative of a government body such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or a local court. The goal is usually to intimidate the target into quick compliance, whether that means paying a fake fine, sharing sensitive data, or granting access to private systems. Alarmingly, the FTC ranks government impersonation among the top five reported fraud categories in the United States, highlighting its widespread impact.
There are several common forms of this fraud. Tax scams are especially prevalent. According to The Kaplen Group, the average number of monthly tax scam reports has increased by 323% since 2020. Victims are told they owe back taxes and face arrest unless they pay immediately, often through unconventional means like gift cards or wire transfers, resulting in average losses of $1,200 per victim. Social Security scams are also rampant, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). People filed over 76,000 reports about Social Security imposters in the past 12 months, with reported losses of $19 million. These often involve robocalls claiming a Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Immigration scams disproportionately affect non-citizens. According to UC Santa Cruz News, they showed that between 400 and 700 immigration scams were reported annually, with scammers threatening deportation or visa cancellation unless payments are made.
Scammers use sophisticated tactics to appear credible. According to The Financial Brand, more than 70% of people said they had received at least one call in the past three months in which the caller pretended to be someone else. This level of detail makes the scams feel authentic, leading many victims to act quickly out of fear.
Government impersonation fraud is not only financially damaging but also erodes public trust in legitimate institutions. With more than $1 billion lost to impersonation scams in 2023, according to The Record, the scale and impact are undeniable. Staying informed, recognizing warning signs, and reporting fraud when encountered are the most effective ways to protect yourself and others from becoming victims of this increasingly sophisticated threat.