Comparing Official Communications vs. Scam Tactics
Understanding the strict protocols the government follows makes it much easier to spot a fraudster who is breaking the rules. Use this comparison to quickly evaluate any interaction.
| Factor | Official Government Protocol | Scammer Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Contact | Usually by U.S. Mail. Calls only occur if you requested a callback or have ongoing business. | Unsolicited robocalls, aggressive texts, or surprise direct messages on social media. |
| Tone | Professional, calm, and informative. Provides clear options and appeal rights. | Hostile, urgent, and threatening. Demands immediate compliance to avoid disaster. |
| Payment Demands | Allows payment via secure government portals (Pay.gov) or traditional check. | Demands retail gift cards, wire transfers, peer-to-peer apps (Zelle/Venmo), or cryptocurrency. |
| Information Requests | Agents will not ask for your full number if you receive a call from them. | Demands you read your full nine-digit number, banking passwords, or card numbers aloud. |
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