As Congress faces another budget stalemate, consumer watchdogs are warning Americans to be on guard for scams exploiting fears over the potential government shutdown .

State attorneys general and federal officials say fraudsters are already seizing on uncertainty to target federal employees, contractors and benefit recipients with false claims about lost paychecks, suspended benefits and emergency relief.

“These scams are designed to prey on people’s anxieties during a shutdown,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said this week, cautioning residents to avoid clicking on links or sharing personal information in unsolicited messages.

Authorities say common tactics include phone calls or emails from imposters posing as Social Security, Medicare or food assistance officials. The messa

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