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How do I make sure the messages I’m receiving are real?
Scammers often create emails, texts, or phone calls that look like they are from a government agency. If you receive a message and aren’t sure whether it’s legitimate, follow these steps:
- Check the sender’s details
- Email: Official agency emails typically end with .gov (e.g., name@agency.gov).
- Phone calls: Caller ID can be faked, so don’t rely on the number alone.
- Text messages: Most agencies do not request sensitive information by text.
- Look for signs of fraudulent messaging
- Urgent language like “Act now” or “Immediate action required”
- Requests for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details
- Threats of arrest, loss of benefits, or legal action
- Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Do not click links or download attachments
- Scammers often include malicious links or files in emails and texts.
- Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments until you confirm the message is real.
- Verify using official sources
- Call us directly: Use the official number listed on our Contact Page.
- Check your account: Sign in through the official Login.gov website, rather than by clicking links in the suspicious message.
- Report the fraud
- To report identity theft:
- Website: IdentityTheft.gov, run by the FTC
- Phone: 1-877-438-4338
- To report online or cyber crime:
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- FBI Field Offices
- To report federal program fraud (e.g., healthcare benefits):
- HHS OIG Fraud Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
- To report other serious identity crimes:
- To report identity theft:
Your caution protects your personal information and helps stop fraud.