When “the Government” Calls: Spotting Social Security and IRS Scams
The phone rings. The caller ID says “Social Security Administration.” A stern voice tells you your benefits will be suspended unless you verify your personal information right now. Your heart races. You reach for a pen.
Stop. That call is almost certainly a scam.
In 2024, older adults reported losing more than $2.4 billion to scams, up from $600 million in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Government impersonation scams were the most reported type, with Social Security calls leading the way. Scammers know that older adults who rely on government benefits for monthly living expenses can feel pressured by anyone claiming authority over those benefits.
May is National Elder Law Month, and this year’s theme is Protecting Rights, Fighting Scams. At Everbright Legacy Law, we want every Minnesotan to feel confident hanging up on a scam call before it ever has a chance to do harm.
Common signs of a government impersonation scam
- The caller threatens to cut off your Social Security, Medicare, or other benefits.
- They demand payment for routine government services you are entitled to receive for free.
- They ask you to “verify” information the government already has, such as your Social Security number, Medicare number, or mailing address.
- They claim your identity has been used in a crime and tell you to act immediately.
- They demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
If any of these appear, the call is not from the government. Real agencies do not operate this way.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up. No federal agency will call, text, or email you asking for information they already have.
- Verify directly. If you have any doubt, call the agency yourself. Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213. Internal Revenue Service: 1-800-829-1040. You can also log in to your account at the agency’s official website.
- Never pay by gift card or wire transfer. No government agency accepts payment that way.
- Talk to someone you trust before making any change to a benefit or account. A family member, your financial advisor, or your elder law attorney is a good first call.
Where elder law planning fits in
Many of the older adults targeted by these scams are also juggling Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care planning, or VA benefits. That complexity is exactly what scammers exploit. A clear plan and a trusted point of contact make it harder for a stranger to slip in.
Everbright Legacy Law is the only Minnesota law firm integrating licensed social workers with legal services. Our Life Care Planning approach pairs legal documents with practical support, including guidance on Medicaid eligibility, benefits coordination, and family communication. When you have a team that already knows your situation, “verifying with someone you trust” becomes a phone call you can actually make.
Where to turn for help
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice): 833-FRAUD-11
- Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC): 1-844-880-1574
- AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov (report wire transfers within 72 hours)
If you have questions about your benefits, your plan, or a call that did not feel right, call us at (952) 925-4147 or email hello@everbrightlegacy.com. We are here to help Twin Cities families plan with confidence.
