Dhan Suraksha

Scam Library

Search the scams behind most digital payment losses worldwide — how each one works, the warning signs, and the steps to take. No technical background needed.

Last reviewed 01 Aug 2026 · 21 case studies across 3 regions

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Government & Tax United States High risk

Fake IRS Tax Demand Call

A caller claiming to be the IRS threatens arrest unless you pay back taxes immediately.

Who scammers target
Older adults, recent immigrants and first-time taxpayers
Typical reported loss
$500 – $10,000 per case
Why people fall for this
Fear of arrest overrides caution, and spoofed caller ID makes the number look official.

How it works

  1. 1A spoofed number shows as "IRS" or a Washington DC area code.
  2. 2The caller reads a fake badge number and claims a lawsuit has been filed against you.
  3. 3They demand payment today by gift cards, wire transfer, crypto ATM or a prepaid debit card.
  4. 4They stay on the line so you cannot verify anything, and threaten police at your door.

Real-world example

Carlos is told he owes $4,300 in back taxes and that a warrant will be issued in one hour. He is instructed to buy Target gift cards and read the numbers out. The IRS never called him.

  • The IRS never initiates contact by phone demanding immediate payment — it writes letters.
  • Any government agency asking for gift cards, crypto or wire transfers is fake.
  • Threats of immediate arrest, deportation or licence suspension.

  • Hang up. Check your real balance at irs.gov or call the IRS on their published number.
  • Never pay a tax bill with gift cards, crypto or a wire transfer.
  • Report the call at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to TIGTA.
  • Tell older relatives about this script — it is one of the most repeated in the US.

What it looks like

Incoming call
IRS ENFORCEMENT · "Badge #4471, warrant pending"
"Approve the request on your app to receive the refund."
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Government & Tax United States High risk

Social Security Number "Suspension"

A recorded call says your SSN has been suspended for criminal activity and asks you to confirm it.

Who scammers target
Retirees and benefit recipients in the United States
Typical reported loss
$500 – $15,000 per case
Why people fall for this
Losing benefits or an identity number feels catastrophic, so people cooperate to 'fix' it.

How it works

  1. 1A robocall claims your Social Security number was linked to drug trafficking or money laundering.
  2. 2Pressing 1 connects you to a "federal officer" who confirms your name and SSN.
  3. 3You are told to move your money to a "safe federal account" while the case is investigated.
  4. 4The account belongs to the fraudsters, and your SSN is now available for identity theft.

Real-world example

Dorothy is told her SSN was found on a car rented at the border. To protect her savings she wires $22,000 to a "secure Treasury account" and buys gift cards for the rest.

  • A Social Security number can never be suspended — that is not a real thing.
  • You are asked to confirm or read out your SSN to an inbound caller.
  • Instructions to move money to a "safe" government account.

  • Hang up and call the SSA yourself at their published number.
  • Never confirm your SSN, date of birth or bank details to an inbound caller.
  • Freeze your credit with all three bureaus if you shared your SSN.
  • Report it at ssa.gov/fraud and reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What it looks like

Incoming call
Automated: "Your SSN has been suspended. Press 1."
"Approve the request on your app to receive the refund."
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.

Where to report, by country

Already lost money? Report it immediately — the first few hours give the best chance of freezing the funds.

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