Imposter Scams (to include those posing as law enforcement)

Sinister man on phone

Imposter scams involve fraudsters posing as trusted entities, such as government agencies, financial institutions, or even tech support, to deceive individuals into surrendering money, personal information, or both. These scams present serious risks to your finances and personal security. Imposters typically demand payments or fees for fictitious services, causing financial harm to victims.  Con artists may extract personal information that can be used for identity theft, potentially leading to many related problems.  Falling prey to an imposter scam can result in significant emotional distress and anxiety.

  • Watch for Red Flags: Be cautious if pressured to act immediately, asked to provide personal information, or if the offer seems too good to be true.
  • Demands for payments. Fraudsters claim to be law enforcement or government officials and threaten arrest if you don’t pay a fine, typically in Cards and Other Untraceable Payment Methods. Genuine businesses and government agencies never ask for payment via gift card. Any such request is a sure sign of fraud.
  • Press for Details: Request specific information about the supposed issue or service to verify legitimacy.
  • Caller ID and Email Verification: Confirm the authenticity of callers or senders through official channels, such as official websites or customer service numbers. Beware that caller IDs can be spoofed using electronic tools.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with common scam tactics and remain vigilant.
  • Secure Personal Information: Safeguard personal data and share it sparingly, especially when unsolicited requests are made.
  • Cease Contact: Stop communicating with the scammer to prevent further damage.
  • Report the scam to the government or organization the con artist claimed to represent.
  • Secure Accounts: Change passwords, monitor your accounts, and consider credit monitoring to mitigate potential identity theft. If you reveal personal information, see the recovery steps for  identity theft .
  • Document Everything: Keep records of all communications, payments, and documents related to the scam.

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