Government-Looking Email Scams

Scam emails often look official and sound serious. “There is an issue with your tax return.” “Your Social Security benefits are suspended.” “Immediate action required.” Each message is designed to trick you.

While the ITC spam filter works hard to block emails like this, scammers do their best to make their messages look legitimate. They carefully design them to slip past spam filters, just like they try to slip past your better judgment. Once a message gets through, they are counting on you already being stressed about taxes or other government paperwork.

Spam Emails are Designed to Trick You

Just as ITC will never email you claiming there is a problem with your email account, government agencies do not either. These scam messages are incredibly common right now and are designed to look just official enough to pass a quick glance. Do not trust them.

Scammers rely on the classic trick of urgency. The message might say you have 24 hours to respond or your account will be locked. Another common move is an attachment labeled something vague like “Tax Notice” or “Important Document.” Sometimes there is a link asking you to “verify your information” or “confirm your identity.” Once you click a link in the email and enter your information, scammers can capture it. At that point, it is no longer secure.

Real Government Emails

Real government agencies do not threaten you by email. They do not ask for personal information through links. They do not demand payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. And they definitely do not send surprise attachments and expect you to open them.

In reality, if the IRS or Social Security Administration needs to contact you about something serious, it usually comes through old-fashioned mail. Yes, the kind that shows up in your physical mailbox. Some companies, like ITC, may send emails about billing or service updates, but we will not demand immediate payment through an email link or pressure you with threats.

Be Cautious

So, a good rule of thumb is: if an email makes you feel rushed, scared, or panicked, stop immediately. That emotional reaction is not an accident. Scammers rely on fear because it shuts down common sense.

Current trends indicate we can expect more of these messages. They are annoying, sometimes convincing, and unfortunately, very effective on people who are just trying to do the right thing.

When in doubt, you can always call the ITC Help Desk at 1.888.217.5718 to help verify whether an email is legitimate. We would much rather take a quick call and say, “Yes, that’s fake,” than see you end up with a mess after clicking the wrong thing.