Topic 1 · 🏛️

Fake Government Calls

A caller says there's a problem with your Medicare (US government health insurance for people 65 and over), your Social Security, or your taxes - and they sound official and serious. Once you know how these offices usually reach people, that call loses most of its power over you.

Start this topic →

By the end you will

Know that Social Security, Medicare and the IRS usually write first about a problem, and never call demanding gift cards or threatening arrest.
Recognize the real my Social Security website, and know the safe way to set up an account.
Use one safe habit for any unexpected call: hang up, look up the real number yourself, call back.

Lessons

1.1 How real agencies reach you

⏱ 15 min · Tell a real government contact from a fake one in under a minute.

Social Security, Medicare and the IRS usually write first. They don't need a surprise caller to read your numbers back to them, they never ask for gift cards, and they never threaten arrest over the phone. Knowing these four facts helps you spot many common fake calls.

1.2 Real numbers, in your own language

⏱ 10 min · Have the real numbers saved, and get a free interpreter when you call.

The safest call is the one you start, to a number you saved yourself. Government lines offer free interpreters - you only need one word.

1.3 .gov websites and my Social Security

⏱ 10 min · Recognize a real government website and know the safe way to open a my Social Security account.

Real government sites end in .gov, and you reach them by typing the address yourself. A my Social Security account lets you check letters and benefits without trusting a caller.

1.4 Already shared something? Report it

⏱ 10 min · Know the first steps if you gave information or money to a caller - without shame.

It is not too late, and it is not your fault. Report it, call your bank the same day, and freeze your credit for free.

Remember this

Social Security, Medicare and the IRS usually write first about a problem - and never call demanding gift cards or threatening arrest.
Hang up. Look up the number yourself. Call back - and say your language to get a free interpreter.
Save the real numbers: Social Security 1-800-772-1213 · Medicare 1-800-633-4227 · IRS 1-800-829-1040.
Type ssa.gov yourself. The address must end in .gov - “ssa.gov” in the middle of a longer address is not the government.
Already shared something? Report it at IdentityTheft.gov - ask family or someone you trust to help.

Updated October 2026.