Stop Government Impersonation Scams Targeting Arizona Seniors
Arizona seniors lost $5,604,144 to government impersonation scams in 2024. Scammers pose as the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money.
Arizona-Specific Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers impersonate these Arizona agencies to target our seniors:
- Arizona MVD: Threatening license suspension, demanding “reinstatement fees”
- Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR): Fake state tax threats and “audit” calls
- AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid): Threatening loss of health coverage
- Arizona DPS (Highway Patrol): Claiming warrants or traffic violations
- Maricopa County Sheriff: Using notorious Sheriff’s Office reputation to scare victims
Verify Arizona Agency Contacts
If someone claims to be from an Arizona agency, hang up and call these official numbers:
- Arizona MVD: (602) 255-0072
- Arizona Dept of Revenue: (602) 255-3381
- AHCCCS: (602) 417-4000
- Arizona DPS: (602) 223-2000
- Maricopa County Sheriff (non-emergency): (602) 876-1011
Recent Arizona Government Impersonation Scams
Fake MVD Suspension Calls (2024): Thousands of Arizona seniors received robocalls claiming immediate license suspension unless “fines” were paid via gift cards. The real MVD never calls demanding payment.
“Sheriff Warrant” Scam (2023-2024): Callers claiming to be from Maricopa or Pima County Sheriff threatened arrest for missed jury duty. Real sheriff’s offices do not demand phone payment.
Snowbird “Tax Residency” Scam: Targeting seasonal residents with threats about Arizona vs. home state tax issues, demanding immediate payment to avoid “dual taxation penalties.”
Government Agencies Commonly Impersonated
- Social Security Administration – claiming your number is suspended
- IRS – threatening arrest for unpaid taxes
- Medicare – offering fake benefits or threatening coverage
- Arizona DPS/Law Enforcement – claiming warrants exist
- Arizona MVD – threatening license suspension
- Arizona Department of Revenue – claiming state tax issues
What Real Government Agencies Will NEVER Do
- Call and threaten immediate arrest
- Demand payment by gift card or wire transfer
- Ask for your full Social Security number over the phone
- Threaten to suspend your Social Security number
- Send police to your home if you do not pay immediately
Step-by-Step: How to Verify Any Government Contact
Step 1: Hang Up Immediately
Do not engage with threatening callers.
Step 2: Find the Official Number
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213
- IRS: 1-800-829-1040
- Medicare: 1-800-633-4227
- Arizona DOR: (602) 255-3381
- Arizona MVD: (602) 255-0072
Step 3: Call to Verify
Call the official number to ask if they were trying to contact you.
Report Government Impersonation Scams
- SSA Scams: oig.ssa.gov/report
- IRS Scams: [email protected]
- Arizona AG: (800) 352-8431
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Free Training Available
Start Free Training: Module 3 – Government Impersonation Scams