Protect Your Business
Avoid SAM.gov Registration Scams
SAM.gov registration is 100% free. If someone charges you, it is a scam. Learn how to identify fraud and protect your business.
The Golden Rule
SAM.gov registration is 100% free. Never pay anyone to register you.
The federal government does not charge for SAM.gov registration, renewal, or maintenance. If someone claims SAM.gov requires a fee, they are lying.
Common SAM.gov Scams to Watch For
Paid registration services
Scammers offer to 'register you on SAM.gov' for $100–$500. They take your money, use your information to register themselves, then disappear. You lose money and may face identity issues.
Red Flags:
- ⚠Promises to register you 'instantly' (real SAM.gov registration takes 7–10 days)
- ⚠Charges an upfront fee before starting
- ⚠Cannot provide a government website or official SAM.gov reference
- ⚠Uses unofficial website (sam.com, samgovregistration.com, etc.)
Fake SAM.gov websites
Scammers create lookalike websites (sam.com, sam-gov.net, samtax.gov) that collect your UEI, EIN, and personal information. They steal your identity or sell it to other criminals.
Red Flags:
- ⚠URL is not exactly sam.gov (check for sam.com, samtax.gov, sam-web.gov, etc.)
- ⚠Poor grammar or spelling (federal websites are professionally maintained)
- ⚠Requests for credit card or upfront payment
- ⚠Unsolicited calls/emails directing you to a website
Unsolicited calls and emails
Scammers call or email claiming they are 'GSA representatives' offering to expedite your SAM.gov registration for a fee. The real GSA does not call businesses offering services.
Red Flags:
- ⚠Unexpected call claiming to be from 'SAM.gov' or 'GSA'
- ⚠Pressure to 'act now' or 'register immediately'
- ⚠Asks for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- ⚠Cannot provide a government phone number to verify
Fake renewal notices
Scammers send fake renewal notices claiming your SAM.gov registration is about to expire (when it is not). They ask you to click a link and 'verify' your information on a fake website.
Red Flags:
- ⚠Email claims registration expires 'immediately' without mentioning your actual expiration date
- ⚠Link goes to non-official website
- ⚠Requests password or personal financial information
- ⚠Sender email is not from sam.gov or gsa.gov
How to Verify You Are on the Real SAM.gov
Check the URL carefully
Type sam.gov directly into your browser. Bookmark it. The URL must be exactly sam.gov with https:// (secure connection)
Look for the government seal
Real SAM.gov pages display the official GSA seal and security indicators. Fake sites often copy the seal poorly or do not have it at all
Check for HTTPS and lock icon
Your browser should show a lock icon next to the URL, indicating a secure connection. If not, do not enter any information
Verify the sender of emails
Real SAM.gov emails come from @sam.gov, @gsa.gov, or @login.gov domains. If an email claims to be SAM.gov but comes from @gmail.com or other free email, it is fake
Official phone numbers
GSA SAM.gov help desk: 1-866-606-8220 (toll-free, published on sam.gov). Scammers give different numbers
Never click email links
Do not click links in unsolicited emails. Type sam.gov directly into your browser instead
If You Were Scammed
Dispute the charge immediately
Contact your credit card issuer and report it as fraud. You have rights under federal law.
Report to GSA
Email reportfraud@gsa.gov with details: website URL, emails, phone numbers, amount paid, and dates
Report to FTC
File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks patterns and can take action against serial scammers
Check your identity
Review your credit reports at annualcreditreport.com. Consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus
Register safely on the official SAM.gov
Type sam.gov into your browser and register for free. Start winning federal contracts legally and securely.
SAM.gov Registration GuideRelated guides
Frequently asked questions
Is SAM.gov registration really free?
Yes, 100% free. The federal government does not charge any fee to register, renew, or maintain your SAM.gov entity registration. If anyone asks you to pay for SAM.gov registration, it is a scam.
What is the official SAM.gov website?
The only official website is sam.gov (all lowercase). Scammers use URLs like sam.com, sam-gov.com, samgovregistration.com, or similar variations. Always type sam.gov directly into your browser, or bookmark it to avoid typos.
How can I report a SAM.gov impersonation or scam?
Report suspected SAM.gov scams to the GSA at reportfraud@gsa.gov. Include details about the scam: the website URL, emails, phone numbers, or people involved. The GSA investigates all reports.
What if I already paid someone for SAM.gov registration?
Contact your credit card issuer immediately to dispute the charge. Then report the scam to reportfraud@gsa.gov with evidence (emails, receipts, website screenshots). Also report it to your state attorney general's consumer protection office.
Can I get my money back if I was scammed?
Dispute the charge with your credit card issuer — you have a right to a refund if the service was fraudulent. File a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your credit card company has stronger leverage with scammers than individuals do.