In the US, scammers frequently impersonate trusted institutions like banks, the IRS, or Medicare to steal money and personal data. These scams are especially dangerous for seniors, who are more likely to rely on landlines.
According to the FTC, Americans lost $12.7 billion to scams in 2024, with government and bank impersonation calls ranking among the top fraud categories. This blog explains how to recognize these scams, how they work, and how to protect yourself.
What Do Bank and Government Impersonation Scams Look Like?
Common impersonation scams include:
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IRS scams: Fraudsters claim you owe back taxes and threaten arrest if you don’t pay immediately.
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Bank fraud scams: Callers impersonate bank staff, warning of “suspicious charges” and asking for verification.
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Medicare scams: Criminals claim to be from Medicare, requesting payment or personal information for “renewed benefits.”
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Utility scams: Threatening to cut off electricity or gas unless bills are paid immediately.
Summary: Common US scams involve IRS, bank, Medicare, or utility impersonations that use threats or fake “fraud alerts” to pressure victims.
How Can You Identify These Scams on Landlines?
Red flags to watch for:
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Urgency and threats: The IRS never demands instant payment over the phone.
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Unusual payments: Requests for gift cards or wire transfers are always scams.
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Caller ID spoofing: Numbers may appear local or show “IRS” or “Bank.”
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Requests for personal details: Banks, the IRS, and Medicare will not ask for Social Security numbers or passwords over the phone.
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Automated robocalls: Pre-recorded threats are a strong indicator of fraud.
Summary: Scam signs include urgency, spoofed caller ID, requests for unusual payments, sensitive data requests, and robocall threats.
How Do Scammers Trick People Into Believing Them?
Fraudsters use tactics designed to overwhelm or reassure:
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Authority pressure: Posing as IRS or bank staff to sound credible.
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Fear tactics: Threats of arrest, fines, or lost benefits.
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Fake references: Supplying bogus “case numbers” or “employee IDs.”
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Professional tone: Speaking politely to gain trust.
Case example: A retired teacher in Texas lost $15,000 in 2024 after a scammer impersonated her bank, showing a spoofed number and convincing her to transfer funds to a “safe account.”
Summary: Scammers exploit authority, fear, fake references, and professionalism to convince victims.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Bank and Government Phone Scams in the US?
Steps to stay safe:
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Hang up and verify – Call back using the official number from the bank or IRS website.
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Never share personal details – Agencies won’t ask for Social Security numbers or banking PINs over the phone.
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Use a call blocking device or app – Tools like CPR Call Blocker or carrier spam filters help.
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Register with the Do Not Call Registry – Cuts legitimate telemarketing, making scams easier to spot.
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Report scams – File complaints with the FTC or the FCC.
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Warn elderly relatives – Remind them to hang up on suspicious calls and check with family first.
Summary: Protect yourself by verifying calls, refusing to share sensitive data, using blockers, reporting scams, and educating family.
Conclusion
Bank and government impersonation scams are dangerous, but awareness is the best defense. By recognizing red flags and refusing to act under pressure, you can protect yourself and your family from fraud.
Explore our range of call blockers to protect your home.
FAQs
Q: Can the IRS call me directly?
A: Rarely. The IRS normally communicates by letter, not phone.
Q: Are call blockers effective against these scams?
A: Yes, they reduce scam exposure by filtering nuisance and spoofed numbers.
Q: Why do scammers ask for gift cards?
A: Gift cards are untraceable, making them ideal for fraudsters.
Q: Who should I report impersonation scams to in the US?
A: Report them to the FTC and FCC.
