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

Short answer

Stop and verify the request using independently found official contact details. Then insist on a written demand (like a subpoena, summons, or court order) before you provide information—especially if law enforcement is involved.

Do not do these things

  • Do not answer detailed questions “just to be helpful” if you don’t understand whether it’s voluntary or compulsory.
  • Do not click links, open attachments, or call back numbers from unexpected messages—verify via official agency websites and main phone lines.
  • Do not give passwords, one-time codes, payment gift cards, or remote access to your device/account.
  • Once you’ve verified a formal demand, do not delete or “clean up” records related to it—pause any deletions that could affect what was requested.
  • Do not ignore a verified subpoena/summons/order—deadlines matter, but you can often ask for clarification or seek legal help quickly.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. If this is a call or an in-person visit, it’s okay to say: “I’m not able to discuss this right now. Please provide the request in writing.” Then end the interaction calmly.
  2. Verify identity independently.
    • Use official agency contact information you find yourself (agency .gov site for federal agencies; official state/local sites for others). Don’t rely on the number/email in the message.
    • Treat pressure, threats, secrecy demands, or “act now” language as major red flags until verified.
  3. Ask one key question to classify it:
    “Is this voluntary, or am I required to provide this information? If required, what is the written authority—subpoena, summons, administrative demand, or court order?”
  4. Require the request in writing and identify the “type.”
    • Interview / questions from agents: you can decline to answer and ask to speak with an attorney before any interview.
    • Subpoena / administrative subpoena / civil investigative demand (CID): lists what must be produced and by when.
    • Summons (including tax-related): treat as a formal demand. If it isn’t clearly one of these: treat it as unclear and don’t provide information yet.
  5. Verify the document without using their contact info.
    • If it lists a court, look up the court’s official number and ask the clerk how to confirm a subpoena/order (and the correct way to respond).
    • If it’s from an agency, call the agency’s publicly listed main line and ask to confirm the reference/case number and the secure method to respond.
  6. Limit what you share until scope is clear. Even with a real agency, ask for:
    • the minimum information required (exact items),
    • the deadline and where it comes from (document section/page),
    • secure delivery instructions (portal/address from an official site, not a link in an email).
  7. Preserve relevant records and get help fast if it’s compulsory.
    • Keep emails, letters, and related files/messages.
    • If you’re unsure what you must provide (or it affects your rights or business), contact an attorney promptly so you don’t miss deadlines or over-disclose.
  8. Keep a basic paper trail. Write down: date/time, names, agency, what was requested, deadline, and how you verified (official site/number used). Keep copies/screenshots.
  9. If it’s tax-related, use IRS scam verification/reporting steps. If you receive suspicious IRS-related messages or calls, don’t engage—verify through official IRS channels and report as directed.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether the agency is “right” today—first determine whether the request is real and legally compulsory.
  • You do not need to provide a narrative or “explain everything” right now—start with verification and written scope.
  • You do not need to produce documents during a live call—wait for written instructions and a secure delivery method.

Important reassurance

Feeling intimidated or rushed is common when someone uses official language, deadlines, or threats. Scams rely on that pressure, and legitimate requests can still be confusing. Slowing down to verify and get it in writing is a protective response.

Scope note

This is first steps only, meant to prevent irreversible mistakes and buy time. The correct response depends on whether the request is voluntary, administrative, or court-backed, and which agency is involved.

Important note

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you have been served with (or believe you may be served with) a subpoena, summons, CID, or court order—or if law enforcement wants an interview—consider getting legal advice promptly before responding.

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