AI And Impersonation
Government impersonation scam
A fake message from a government agency.
What it means
A scammer pretends to be from a tax agency, law enforcement office, court, immigration office, benefits program, or other government source.
Example
A caller claims you will be arrested unless you pay a fine immediately with gift cards.
Warning signs
- They threaten arrest or legal action unless you pay now.
- They ask for gift cards, crypto, wire transfer, or payment apps.
- They demand personal information over an unexpected call.
- They tell you not to contact anyone else.
Safer next steps
- Hang up or stop responding.
- Look up the agency’s official contact information yourself.
- Do not pay government fees with gift cards or crypto.
- Report the impersonation attempt.