Walking to the mailbox used to be mundane. Now, it feels like navigating a minefield. You sift through the bills and junk mail, and then you see it: an envelope that looks terrifyingly official. It has a government seal, a barcode, and words like “FINAL NOTICE” stamped in red.
Your heart drops. Did you forget a tax payment? Is there a lien on your house? Before you panic and cut a check, take a breath. Scammers have become experts at mimicking government correspondence to steal your money and identity. Here are seven “official” letters landing in mailboxes right now that are completely fake.
1. The “Distraint Warrant” Tax Scam
This letter looks terrifying. It claims to be from a “Tax Processing Unit” or a “Benefits Suspension Unit” and threatens to seize your property or wages due to unpaid taxes. It often cites a specific “federal tax lien” code to sound legitimate.
However, the IRS never initiates contact about unpaid taxes by mail without prior notices. Furthermore, they will never threaten to bring in local police. If the letter asks you to call a toll-free number to “settle” the debt immediately, throw it away.
2. The Deed Processing Notice
Homeowners often receive a letter that looks like a bill from a “Record Retrieval Department.” It claims you need to pay $80 to $100 to receive a copy of your property deed. The language suggests this is mandatory or urgent.
In reality, you can get a copy of your deed from your local county clerk’s office for a few dollars, or sometimes for free. This is a private company trying to charge you a markup for a public document you can easily get yourself.
3. The Unclaimed Property Scam
Who doesn’t want free money? You get a letter stating the “National Association of Unclaimed Property” is holding thousands of dollars in your name. To release the funds, they simply need a processing fee or your social security number to verify your identity.
While unclaimed property is real, legitimate states do not charge you to claim it. You can check for free at MissingMoney.com. Never pay a fee to get what is already yours.
4. The Jury Duty Warrant
This one is designed to trigger fear. The letter claims you missed jury duty and there is now a warrant for your arrest. To avoid jail time, you must pay a fine immediately via wire transfer or—surprisingly—gift cards.
Courts do not operate this way. They will never ask for payment over the phone or via mail to clear a warrant. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to bypass your logic.
5. Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Letter
With inflation high, seniors are desperate for updates on their benefits. Scammers send letters looking like they are from the Social Security Administration (SSA), offering to “activate” your cost-of-living increase if you verify your personal details.
Consequently, they steal your identity. The SSA automatically applies COLA increases; you never have to apply or verify anything to receive them.
6. The “Census” Survey with a Fee
You receive a form that looks like a census survey. It asks intrusive financial questions and, in some cases, asks for a “processing donation” to the political party in power. It uses heavy legal language about the importance of compliance.
The official Census Bureau will never ask for money, your full social security number, or your bank account details. If there is a payment request attached, it is 100% fake.
7. Lookalike Charity Solicitations
These letters often mimic the names of real government organizations, like a “Veterans Support Fund” or “Police Officer Benefit Association.” They use official-looking badges and seals.
Unfortunately, many of these are PACs (Political Action Committees) where the money goes to overhead, not to the cause. Always research the specific name on Charity Navigator before sending a check.
Verify Before You Pay
If you receive a scary letter, do not call the number on the paper. Instead, look up the official agency’s number online and call them directly. A legitimate government employee will be happy to verify the letter; a scammer will pressure you to pay now.
Have you received one of these fake letters recently? Warn others by describing it in the comments!
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The post 7 “Government” Letters in Your Mailbox That Are Actually Fake appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
