Avoid Imposter Scam

What Is an Imposter Scam?

Imposters are scammers who lie and pretend to be someone they’re not. Their goal is to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from a business you know or a government agency — or both. They try to gain your trust and get you to believe they are who they claim to be.

How To Spot Imposter Scams

• Scammers try to convince you they’re with the government or a business you recognize by faking the caller ID.
• Scammers give you an employee ID or badge number or use the name of a real government employee.
• Scammers send official-looking letters with seals and make up government agency names that sound real but aren’t.

How To Avoid Imposter Scams

• Know that you have rights and legal protections — even if you owe a debt, miss jury duty, or had your identity stolen.
• Never transfer or send money, cryptocurrency, or gold to someone you don’t know in response to an unexpected call or message.
• Don’t believe anyone who says you have to quickly move your money to “protect” it. Anyone who tells you that is a scammer.
• If there’s a problem with your account or identity, always talk about it with someone you trust — especially if the stranger on the phone says it’s serious or involves a crime or claims to be from the government.
• Don’t click on links or call phone numbers in unexpected messages. If you think the message could be real, verify the story. Contact the organization in question using a phone number, website, or email address you know is real. Don't use the contact information in the unexpected message.

Learn More

• ftc.gov/imposters
• ftc.gov/PassItOn
• How To Avoid a Scam
• What To Do if You Were Scammed
• Video: Impersonation Scams Explained