In order to get money from you, scammers are posing as government officials, such as:
- A U.S. Marshall saying you missed jury duty.
- An IRS employee claiming you owe back taxes.
- A lottery official wanting money in exchange for a prize you won.
They may sound official — or even threaten arrest or deportation — but they are not. Government employees will not threaten you. Never give or send them money, prepaid cards, account numbers, or personal information.
If you are contacted, report it to the FTC: ftc.gov/complaint