Tax season often brings a rise in fraud attempts, and federal agencies are warning Americans to stay alert. Scammers frequently impersonate government organizations to steal personal information or money, especially during periods when people are expecting tax refunds or government benefits.
To address the growing threat, the Social Security Administration (SSA) launched a public awareness effort known as National “Slam the Scam” Day during National Consumer Protection Week. The campaign aims to help people recognize common scam tactics and avoid becoming victims.
Why Government Impostor Scams Are Increasing
Government impersonation scams have become more common in recent years. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than 330,000 complaints about government impostor scams were filed last year. That represents a 25% increase compared with 2024.
Scammers often target groups they believe may be more vulnerable, including:
- Older adults
- Military veterans
- Individuals with limited English language skills
These criminals frequently pretend to represent trusted government agencies to gain credibility.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch For
Fraudsters use several methods to pressure victims into revealing sensitive information or sending money.
Common warning signs include:
- Someone claiming to be from a government agency
- Urgent demands for immediate action
- Claims that there is a problem with your Social Security number
- Promises of prizes, refunds, or special benefits
Scammers also frequently ask victims to send payments using:
- Gift cards
- Wire transfers
- Cryptocurrency
Government agencies warn that these payment methods are a major red flag.
IRS Scam Warnings During Tax Season
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has also issued alerts about tax-related scams during the 2026 filing season.
Fraudsters often pretend to be IRS agents and contact victims about:
- Tax refunds
- Stimulus payments
- Tax credits
- Unpaid taxes
The IRS emphasizes that it usually initiates contact through official mail sent via the U.S. Postal Service.
Important IRS rules include:
- The IRS will never demand immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer.
- The agency will not threaten arrest or law enforcement action over the phone.
- IRS employees will not request debit or credit card numbers by phone.
If someone demands these forms of payment while claiming to be from the IRS, it is almost certainly a scam.
Cybercrime Is Growing Across the U.S.
The rise in government impersonation scams is part of a broader increase in cybercrime. According to research by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), 44% of Americans reported experiencing financial loss or data theft related to cybercrime in 2025.
That figure represents a 10% increase compared with 2024.
The most common cybercrime method is phishing, which the National Institute of Standards and Technology defines as fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information through emails or fake websites.
Older Adults Face Higher Financial Risk
Older Americans are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation. Data from AARP estimates that adults over age 60 lose about $28.3 billion each year to financial scams.
Breakdown of losses:
| Source of Exploitation | Estimated Loss |
|---|---|
| Friends, family, or caregivers | $20.3 billion |
| Strangers or scammers | $8 billion |
Education and stronger security practices are considered the most effective ways to reduce these losses.
Declining Cybersecurity Habits
Even though awareness of cybersecurity risks has increased, protective behaviors are declining.
The NCA study found:
| Security Behavior | Usage in 2021 | Usage in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Always installing software updates | 44% | 31% |
| Regular data backups | — | 22% |
Experts say this gap between awareness and action makes people more vulnerable to online fraud.
How to Protect Yourself From Government Scams
Federal agencies recommend several simple steps to avoid becoming a victim.
Protect yourself by:
- Hanging up on suspicious phone calls claiming to be government officials
- Avoiding clicking links from unknown emails or messages
- Never sharing Social Security or banking information with unverified callers
- Reporting suspicious activity to the SSA or FTC
If a caller claims there is a problem with your Social Security number, the SSA advises ending the call immediately and reporting the incident online.
Government impostor scams continue to grow as criminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics to trick Americans into sharing personal information or sending money. With tax season underway, agencies such as the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service are urging people to stay vigilant and learn the warning signs of fraud. By recognizing common scam tactics and following basic cybersecurity practices, individuals can protect themselves and reduce the risk of financial loss.
FAQs
What is Slam the Scam Day?
It is a public awareness campaign by the Social Security Administration to help Americans recognize and avoid government impersonation scams.
How do government impostor scams usually work?
Scammers pretend to be officials from agencies like the SSA or IRS and pressure victims to share personal information or send money.
Does the IRS call people demanding immediate payment?
No. The IRS does not demand immediate payment by phone or request payment through gift cards or wire transfers.
Who is most at risk for these scams?
Older adults, veterans, and people with limited English proficiency are often targeted by scammers.
What is phishing?
Phishing is a cybercrime technique that attempts to steal sensitive information through fraudulent emails or fake websites.
