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Scammers Follow the Headlines

Fraudsters are increasingly exploiting political headlines and posing as government officials to steal millions, but you can protect yourself by recognizing their high-pressure tactics. Learn how to identify the red flags of government imposter scams and secure your personal information by knowing exactly what to look for.

  • 05/18/2026
  • Posted by Summit Credit Union
Photo of an older woman holding a credit card and listening to a phone.

When major political events dominate the news, such as a government shutdown or rumored changes to policies or benefits, fraudsters use the uncertainty to their advantage. They may pose as trusted agencies like the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, or the Department of Veterans Affairs in their fraud scheme.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims of government imposter scams reported over $577 million stolen from them in 2024, but due to underreporting, the actual number is likely significantly higher. As this trend continues to rise, here’s what you need to know to help spot and avoid government imposter scams.

How It Works

  • You receive a call, text, or e-mail from an individual claiming to be an employee of a government agency.
  • The call references current news events and pressures you to act quickly, whether to secure your benefits, or to resolve an urgent problem with your account.
  • The call demands a "processing fee" or requests personal or financial information to release your benefits or to help resolve the issue.

What You Should Know

  • These communications can sound professional, may spoof legitimate phone numbers, and might even include personal details about you. The criminal's goal is to steal your money or obtain sensitive information.
  • Government agencies do not contact people with promises of money or threats that require immediate action. Treat any outreach as a fraud attempt.
  • Legitimate agencies also never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, cash, or wire transfer.

What You Should Do

  • Avoid engaging with any person who unexpectedly contacts you that claims to be a local, state, or federal agency official.
  • If the message seems it could be legitimate, contact the agency directly using a verified phone number from its official website.
  • If you shared personal information and feel it was part of a scam, visit IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step guidance on protecting yourself, or recovering, from identity fraud.

Remember Knowledge is power.

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