Would the government tell me to move my money for protection?
Government agencies do not order people to transfer savings, buy gold, or use cryptocurrency to keep money safe.
“Your identity was used in a crime. Move your savings to this protected government account and do not discuss the investigation.”
Why this is suspicious
The scammer creates a fake crisis, sometimes using real names, badge numbers, or spoofed caller ID. The so-called protected account is controlled by the scammer.
Warning signs
- They say your money is in immediate danger
- They demand secrecy
- They tell you to transfer funds, buy gold, or use a crypto ATM
- They threaten arrest or loss of benefits
What to do next
- End the call without transferring money
- Contact the agency using its official .gov website
- Call your financial institution using a trusted number
- Tell someone you trust and report the impersonation
If you already clicked or paid
For guidance on what to do after a possible scam, visit the FTC’s recovery guide. It covers different situations, including payments and personal information.
Official source: FTC government impersonation guidance
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