What Is an Imposter Scam?

1. What Is an Imposter Scam?

A scammer pretends to be someone you trust—like the government, a company you know, or even a family member—to trick you into giving them money or personal information (consumer.ftc.gov).

2. How Scammers Pretend

• Fake caller ID: They might make their phone look like it’s coming from the IRS, Social Security, or another trusted source (consumer.ftc.gov).
• Fake IDs or badges: They may give you a made-up employee number.
• Official-looking mail or emails: These can include seals, letterhead, or agency names that seem real but are fake (consumer.ftc.gov).

3. Warning Signs to Watch For

• Urgent demands like, “You missed jury duty—pay a fine now,” or “Your Social Security will be shut off” (consumer.ftc.gov).
• Requests for quick payment using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or even gold—for example, “Put money on these gift cards and tell me the codes” (consumer.ftc.gov).
• You are told to withdraw money or buy gold to “protect” it (consumer.ftc.gov).
• Pressuring you not to talk to family, lawyer, or friends, or to act fast without thinking.

4. How to Protect Yourself

1. Never send money or gift cards—especially in response to a surprise call or message (consumer.ftc.gov).
2. Hang up or delete the message if someone you don’t know asks for money or information.
3. Tell a trusted friend or family member before doing anything.
4. Call the agency or company directly using a number you already know—don’t call back using the number given to you.
5. Never click on links or call numbers in unexpected emails or messages; always verify using your trusted contact info (consumer.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov).
6. Remember: Real government agencies do NOT threaten you, demand payment, or tell you to buy gift cards or send money immediately (consumer.ftc.gov).

5. Common Scenarios

• Fake family emergencies – “I’m your grandchild—send money now, I’m in trouble.”
• Tech support scams – “Your computer is compromised—let me fix it for a fee.”
• Fake prize calls – “You’ve won, but you must pay tax or fees upfront.”
• Government impersonation – Claiming to be from the FTC, Social Security, IRS, Medicare, courts, sheriff’s office, or government (consumer.ftc.gov, consumer.ftc.gov).

6. What Government Agencies Really Do

• They never call, text, email, or threaten you to send money or personal information.
• They never ask you to pay immediately with gift cards, cash apps, cryptocurrency, or gold (consumer.ftc.gov).
• If they contact you, it's always via official mail, and if it involves money, they'll give you time to respond and will not threaten or pressure you.

7. If You Suspect a Scam

• Hang up or delete the message.
• Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (consumer.ftc.gov).
• If you’ve shared personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov for help protecting your identity (consumer.ftc.gov).

 

✅ Remember These Key Rules

Always Do	Never Do
Pause and think.	Give money or info on the first request.
Call a trusted person.	Trust caller ID or unknown links.
Verify with the real agency.	Send money via gift cards, crypto, or wire without checking.

Stay safe by stopping, asking, and checking. And above all, talk to someone you trust before taking any action.