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What to do if…
a government agency contacts you demanding information and you are unsure what to provide

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Pause before sharing information. Verify the contact independently, ask for the request in writing or for a copy of any document, and get legal advice promptly if you are unsure what is voluntary or required.

Do not do these things

  • Do not answer detailed questions, provide records, sign anything, or agree to access you do not understand just because someone is pressuring you.
  • Do not click links, open attachments, or rely on a callback number from an unexpected message before verifying the contact independently.
  • Do not provide passwords, verification codes, remote device access, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment-app transfers.
  • Do not delete, alter, conceal, or destroy records that may relate to a verified request. Pause routine deletion and get legal advice about scope.
  • Do not physically resist or obstruct officials executing a search warrant or another court order.
  • Do not ignore a subpoena, summons, court order, civil investigative demand, administrative demand, or other formal document that may require a response. A deadline may apply.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. For an unexpected call, message, or email, stop the conversation before sharing information. For an in-person visit, stay calm and ask for identification and a copy of any written document. Do not physically obstruct officials executing a search warrant or another court order.
  2. Record what you received. Keep the letter, envelope, email, message, voicemail, or document. Note the agency name, office, caller’s name, date, time, case or reference number, stated deadline, and what was requested.
  3. Verify the contact independently. For a federal agency, use its official website or the USA.gov agency index. For a state or local agency, use an official government website. For a federal court, use the U.S. Courts finder. Call a published number you found yourself rather than a number supplied in an unexpected message.
  4. Ask whether the response is voluntary or required. Ask: “Am I being asked voluntarily, or am I required to respond? Please identify the written authority and the deadline.” Possible documents include a subpoena, summons, court order, search warrant, civil investigative demand, or administrative demand. Do not assume that the label alone tells you everything you must do.
  5. Ask for a clear written scope. Ask what information, records, or actions are requested; which document states the deadline; and how the response method can be verified independently.
  6. Limit disclosure while you verify. Do not upload, mail, send, or discuss records until you have confirmed the request and understood what response is required. Do not physically obstruct officials executing a search warrant or another court order.
  7. Preserve potentially relevant records. Keep messages and documents connected with the contact. Pause routine deletion of related records. Do not edit, hide, or destroy them.
  8. Get legal advice promptly when needed. This is especially important if you receive a subpoena, summons, search warrant, court order, civil investigative demand, administrative demand, or a request for an interview with investigators; if a deadline is approaching; or if the scope is unclear.
  9. Use official IRS guidance for tax-related contacts. If the contact claims to involve the IRS, Treasury, or taxes, check the official IRS scam-recognition and reporting pages before responding.

What can wait

  • You do not need to explain the whole situation during an unexpected call or visit.
  • You do not need to decide immediately whether the agency is right or wrong.
  • You do not need to sort or send every record before you understand the written scope.
  • You do not need to decide alone whether a document is valid or what objections may be available.

Important reassurance

Official language, short deadlines, and unexpected contact can feel intimidating. Slowing down long enough to verify the contact, preserve records, and understand the written request is a reasonable protective step.

Scope note

These are first steps only. The correct response depends on the agency, the document, the type of matter, and the facts. Later decisions may need help from an attorney or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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