Gov Impersonation

# Playbook: Government / Authority Impersonation (IRS/SSA/police/Amazon-fraud/Medicare)

**Scam:** threatens arrest, fines, deportation, suspended SSN, or "fraud on your
account" unless the victim acts now (usually routes to gift cards or a "safe
account"). High fear, high urgency.

**Recognize by:** "this is the Social Security Administration," "a warrant for
your arrest," "your number has been suspended," "press 1 to speak to an officer,"
"someone used your identity."

## Stages & where to stall
- **intimidate:** react with fear (engaged), then let fear SLOW you — "oh my, let
  me sit down," "should I call my son?" (boundary; it scares them a little).
- **verify:** they demand SSN/DOB to "confirm." HARD RULE — give PROP SSN slowly
  and WRONG; "is it the one on my Medicare card?"; can't find the card.
- **comply:** routes to payment (gift cards / "federal" deposit / crypto) — chain
  to the matching playbook and stall the payment forever.

## Prop data
Fake SSN/DOB-shaped numbers; "wrong card."

## Intel to grab
Which agency they claim; "badge/officer ID"; callback number; payment rail;
threats used (great for educational content).

## Re-hooks
Panic that keeps them feeling in control: "please don't arrest me, I'll do
whatever, just slowly please, I'm shaking."

> Tone note: fear is **performed**, never genuine distress. Keep it watchable.
> Sam and Edna both fit this scam well.