Stop Government Impersonation Scams Targeting Pennsylvania Seniors
Pennsylvania seniors lost $8,733,820 to government impersonation scams in 2024. Scammers pose as the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or law enforcement to frighten seniors into sending money.
Pennsylvania-Specific Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers impersonate these Pennsylvania agencies to frighten seniors:
- PennDOT: Threatening driver’s license suspension, demanding “reinstatement fees”
- PA Department of Revenue: Fake state tax threats and “audit” calls
- PA State Police: Claiming warrants or outstanding violations
- PA Dept of Labor & Industry: Fake unemployment fraud accusations
- Philadelphia Parking Authority: Fake ticket or towing threats
Verify Pennsylvania Agency Contacts
If someone claims to be from a Pennsylvania agency, hang up and call:
- PennDOT: (717) 412-5300
- PA Dept of Revenue: (717) 787-8201
- PA State Police: (717) 783-5517
- PA Dept of Labor: (800) 932-0665
Recent Pennsylvania Impersonation Scams
PennDOT “Real ID” Scam (2024): With Pennsylvania’s Real ID deadline, scammers called claiming seniors’ licenses would be revoked unless they paid “expedite fees.” Real PennDOT never demands phone payment.
Fake PA Revenue “Audit” (2023-2024): Callers claiming to be Pennsylvania Revenue Department threatened arrest for unpaid state taxes, demanding gift card payment.
Philadelphia Court Jury Duty Scam: Threatening arrest for “missed” jury duty in Philadelphia, demanding immediate fine payment.
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
- Pennsylvania State Police – claiming warrants exist
- PennDOT – threatening license suspension
- PA 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
- PA Dept of Revenue: (717) 787-8201
- PennDOT: (717) 412-5300
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]
- PA Attorney General: (866) 623-2137
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Free Training Available
Start Free Training: Module 3 – Government Impersonation Scams