Government Impersonation Scams Targeting New York Seniors
New York seniors lost $14.8 million to government impersonation scams in 2024. Scammers exploit New York’s complex government structure and large immigrant population to create convincing threats.
Why New York Seniors Face Unique Government Scam Threats
New York’s demographics create specific vulnerabilities to government impersonation:
- Immigrant population: Many seniors are naturalized citizens fearful of deportation threats
- Complex government: City, state, and federal agencies create confusion scammers exploit
- NYC-specific agencies: 311, MTA, NYC Housing Authority give scammers unique impersonation targets
- Language barriers: Seniors with limited English may not verify caller identity
- Tax complexity: NYC income tax adds another layer scammers can exploit
New York-Specific Government Impersonation Tactics
ICE/Immigration Threats: Targeting immigrant seniors, scammers claim ICE is preparing deportation orders unless immediate payment is made. This is extremely common in immigrant communities across NYC.
NYC 311 Impersonation: Scammers call claiming to be from 311, alleging unpaid city fees, parking violations, or housing code issues requiring immediate payment.
NY DMV Threats: Calls threatening suspension of your driver’s license unless you pay “reinstatement fees” immediately. Real NY DMV never demands phone payment.
NYC Housing Authority Scams: Targeting public housing residents, scammers threaten eviction or demand “inspection fees” to avoid problems.
MTA Fare Evasion Threats: Fake MTA police calling about outstanding fare evasion fines requiring immediate payment to avoid arrest.
NYS Tax Department “Audits”: Threatening state tax audits, liens on property, or arrest for unpaid state taxes. Payment demanded via gift cards.
Government Agencies Commonly Impersonated
- Social Security Administration – Threatening benefit suspension or arrest
- IRS – Tax debt threats and arrest warrants
- ICE/Homeland Security – Deportation threats to immigrants
- Medicare/CMS – Claiming coverage problems
- NY DMV – License suspension threats
- NYC 311/City Agencies – Fake city fee demands
- NYPD/Police – Fake warrant threats
Verify New York Agency Contact – Real Numbers
If anyone claims to be from a government agency, hang up and call the real number:
- Social Security: (800) 772-1213
- Medicare: (800) 633-4227
- NY DMV: (518) 486-9786
- NYS Tax Department: (518) 457-5181
- NYC 311: Dial 311 from NYC or (212) 639-9675
- NY Attorney General: (800) 771-7755
What Real Government Agencies Will Never Do
- Demand immediate payment over the phone
- Ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Threaten immediate arrest without prior written notice
- Request your full Social Security number by phone
- Tell you to keep the call secret from family members
Multi-Language Warning
Scammers conduct government impersonation calls in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Korean, and other languages. The same rules apply – real government agencies don’t threaten immediate arrest or demand gift card payment in any language.
What to Do If You Receive a Threatening Call
- Hang up immediately
- Do not provide any personal information
- Look up the real agency phone number independently
- Report to NY Attorney General: (800) 771-7755
- NYC residents: Report to 311
- Report to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov