If you get a call from someone claiming to be with the IRS or Social Security, STOP. Slam the Scam! Hang up on the call.

According to the U.S. government website usa.gov, imposter scammers may call, but they also use texts and email in an attempt to convince you they are someone in authority.  They may even use caller ID to make it look like they are calling from an official government or business number. Their goal is to get you to send money or a gift card or to share personal information.

Government agencies typically initiate communications by letter unless you call them first. Unexpected contact or demands through any other method are likely a scam. Two common government agency scams include:

• IRS imposter scams - scammers pretend you owe the IRS money for taxes and may threaten legal action.
• Social Security imposter scams - scammers claim there is a problem with your Social Security account or promise to increase your benefits.

The usa.gov website offers these scam examples. 

• Charity scams - scammers pretend to be from a real or fake charity and try to get you to contribute.
• Grandparent scams - scammers pretend to be a grandchild or other relative who needs emergency financial help.
• Tech support scams - scammers tell you your computer’s security is at risk and try to remotely access your device and steal personal information or ask for payment.
• Bank/Business scams - scammers pretend to be from your bank or a company you do business with. You might be told you owe money or there is a problem with your account. INB customers have been victims of these types of fraud.

Here is a list of specific scams.  Please, don’t fall victim!

• You get an email from a tech support company about a problem with your computer. They ask you to pay for their services with a gift card.
• You get a call from the IRS about money that you owe to the government. They tell you that you need to pay with a gift card.
• You buy something online. The seller tells you to pay by wiring money.
• You get a check for something you are selling. The check is for too much money. The buyer tells you to deposit the check and wire the extra money.
• Someone calls to say you inherited money, but first you have to wire money for the taxes.
• You see an ad promising you a credit card. But first, you have to wire money to pay to apply.

If you’re wary about a specific action that involves money, please ask questions. If you’re looking for a trusted advisor, please call our Customer Care Center and we’ll connect you to an INB employee who can help you make sense of a potential transaction. The Federal Trade Commissions consumer.gov website also offers great resources.  They have an entire section dedicated to scams and identity theft.