Impersonation scams

Impersonation scams involve fraudsters pretending to be from trusted organizations or individuals to steal personal information or money. These scams can start with a phone call, text, email, or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, government agency, or well-known business.

Common tactics include posing as a legitimate representative and claiming there is an urgent issue with your account, such as a security breach or unauthorized transaction. Scammers may also use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a trusted organization. They might have information about you, like your full name or address, which can make the scam seem more convincing.

To protect yourself, avoid giving out any information, especially passwords, PINs, or verification codes. Be wary of aggressive or urgent language and unusual requests. If you receive a call or message that seems suspicious, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website.