Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich is warning consumers and businesses about government imposter scams that are continuing to make the rounds in the state. Recently there’s been an uptick in consumer complaints about scammers pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. Government imposter scams have many different angles but typically involve a phone call, email, text message, or letter from someone claiming to be from a government agency. The scam artist states you owe the government money, will be arrested, or stand to lose government benefits or services. In order to rectify the situation, you must send money, buy and send gift cards, and/or provide personal information like your Social Security Number. In another variation of the scam, the government imposter states you have won money, or you are entitled to money from the government but need to pay a fee. Do not give out or confirm personal or financial information, contact the agency directly through information from their website, do not wire funds or purchase and send a prepaid card and if someone comes to your house posing as a government employee, ask to see credentials. All scams should be reported to police.
