DFI Warns Consumers to Beware of Government Shutdown Scammers

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) warns Washington consumers to beware of scammers using the government shutdown to perpetuate various financial scams.

Scammers may imitate government agencies like the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Internal Revenue Service and Veteran's Affairs, or other non-governmental agencies or non-profits offering financial assistance to individuals impacted by the shutdown.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Unknown or unexpected contact via e-mail, phone, text or direct messages on social media platforms. These messages often contain grammatical errors and misspellings.
• Scammers will tell you that there is an issue that needs to be fixed.
• Scammers create a sense of urgency and will pressure you to act quickly. For example, a scammer might send an official looking notice stating your benefits have been suspended and that you must act immediately to prevent a lapse in benefits.
• Scammers will tell you to pay in a very particular way and will tell you to stay on the phone with them while completing the transaction, not to tell anyone else about the transaction, and to lie to your financial institution about what the money is for.

Tips for avoiding scams include:

• Block unknown or unexpected calls, texts, or other messages.
• Check written communications for grammar, misspellings, urgent or threatening language, requests for personal information like social security numbers or financial information.
• Never give out financial information in response to an unexpected request.
• Never pay someone who requires payment via cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment apps, or via gift card.
• Resist the urge to act immediately and consult with a trusted individual before doing anything else.

Who To Contact If You're A Victim of Fraud

DFI typically refers victims to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the Internet Crime Complaint Center(ic3) to report fraud and scams. However, due to the government shutdown services are not currently available.

If you feel you have been the victim of a scam resources are available at Identity Theft | Consumer Advice.

If you are a victim of a scam you may wish to consider freezing your credit or filing a fraud alert. Additional information is available at How to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report | USAGov.

For Washington Consumers

If you are a federal worker facing financial uncertainty as a result of the government shutdown, visit Shutdown: Financial Resources for Federal Workers.

If you are a victim of a scam, you can find additional resources at Resources for People Affected by a Financial Scam.