A caller says they are from the IRS or Medicare. Is this real?
End a surprise request for money or private details. Check through the real agency.
In the U.S., the IRS and Medicare can make some real calls. A name, number or official voice does not prove who called.
Threats of arrest to force payment are warning signs. So are demands for gift card codes. Do not give private details in an unexpected call.
The IRS often starts by mail, but there are exceptions. Its contact rules and real routes are linked below.
- End the call. Do not give passwords, sign-in codes, your Social Security number or Medicare number.
- For the IRS, use IRS.gov and its own contact page. Check any notice through that source.
- For Medicare, use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE, which is 1-800-633-4227.
- Do not use a number the caller gave you. Explain the request to the real agency through the contact you checked.
- If you paid or shared identity details, act promptly through the bank or relevant recovery process. Do not wait for a second call.
Make a practice checklist for an unexpected IRS or Medicare call. Use the agency's own site for checking. Do not judge a voice, ask for private numbers or claim that all agency calls are fake.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Use the agency's own steps to report a fake caller. A ChatGPT draft does not file that report.
Sources and more help
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