A federal agent calls to say your Social Security number has been linked to drug trafficking and money laundering — and there's a warrant for your arrest. It's terrifying. It's also a complete fiction, and it's happening to thousands of older Americans. In this episode, host Mark Sullivan breaks down the government impersonation scam in all its disguises — fake Social Security, IRS, DEA, and police calls — and arms you with six permanent truths about how the real government operates that make you bulletproof against every version. Grounded in a real FBI-documented case and backed by FBI and FTC data.

In this episode: the real DEA-impersonation call the FBI traced to an overseas call center, why "your Social Security number has been suspended" is impossible, the payment methods that instantly expose any government impersonator, the stagecraft of badge numbers and "supervisor" transfers, why robocalls want you to "press 1," and the simplest defense of all — the real government sends letters.

Note: Online Scams — Real Stories of Fraud and How to Identify a Scammer has no partnership, sponsorship, or financial relationship with any organization, website, or app mentioned in this episode. Resources are shared purely for listener benefit.

• Real DEA-impersonation case. During an investigation into a fraudulent call center operating out of India, FBI Special Agent Ron Miller identified an older American woman being targeted; scammers claimed to be from the DEA and said her name and Social Security number were linked to bank accounts associated with drug trafficking and money laundering. Quote: "Almost anyone can be a victim. These guys are just that good." FBI, "Scammers Target Older Adult Victims" (fbi.gov/news/stories/scammers-target-older-adult-victims).
• Volume of government-impersonation complaints. IC3 logged more than 8,600 complaints about government impersonation scams from senior victims; complaints from victims over 60 exceeded 201,000 with losses over $7.7 billion. FBI / IC3 2025 Internet Crime Report (fbi.gov).
• Government impersonation as a top category for older adults. Older adults are much more likely than younger adults to report losses to government impersonation scams (and to tech support, prize/sweepstakes/lottery, and romance scams). FTC, "Protecting Older Consumers" report and FTC press releases (ftc.gov), late 2025.
• The "three lies" — lie #2. Scammers claim your information is being used to commit crimes such as drug smuggling or money laundering, posing as a government officer. FTC press release (ftc.gov), Aug 2025.
• Retirees' life savings and government/business impersonation. FTC reporting describes scammers posing as trusted government agencies and businesses to steal retirees' life savings. FTC Data Spotlight, "False alarm, real scam" (ftc.gov), 2025.
• How real agencies operate / payment red flags. Government agencies contact people about serious matters by mail and never demand payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or cash; Social Security numbers cannot be "suspended." General FTC and SSA OIG consumer guidance (consumer.ftc.gov; oig.ssa.gov); confirm current language before recording.
• Reporting resources mentioned. SSA Office of the Inspector General (oig.ssa.gov) for Social Security impersonation; FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov, and IdentityTheft.gov; FBI: IC3.gov. AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline (free, non-members welcome).