Impersonation Scams

An impostor scam, also known as an impersonation scam, is a type of fraudulent activity where an individual or group of individuals pretending to be someone they are not to deceive and manipulate others for financial gain or personal information. The scammers often adopt the identity of trusted entities such as government agencies, financial institutions, businesses, charities, or even family members or friends.

Impostor scams can take various forms, including:

1. Email Phishing: Scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate organizations, asking recipients to provide sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. These emails often contain links to fake websites designed to mimic legitimate ones.
2. Tech Support Scams: Scammers pose as technical support representatives from well-known companies and claim that the victim’s computer has a virus or other problem. They then convince the victim to grant remote access to their computer and may charge fees for unnecessary services or install malware.
3. Romance Scams: Scammers create fake online profiles on dating websites and social media platforms to establish romantic relationships with victims. Once trust is gained, they may request money for various reasons, such as emergencies or travel expenses, but the money is never returned.
4. Social Engineering: Scammers use psychological manipulation to deceive individuals into revealing personal information or performing specific actions. This tactic can involve pretending to be a family member in need, a co-worker, or even a boss requesting sensitive information or funds.
5. Government Impersonation: Scammers claim to be government officials, such as IRS agents, police officers, or immigration officers, and threaten victims with legal actions or fines unless immediate payment is made.
6. Lottery or Prize Scams: Victims are informed that they have won a large sum of money or a valuable prize, but they must pay taxes, fees, or other charges upfront before receiving their winnings.

Below are a few caution signs to watch for:

• Urgent Requests for Money: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming immediate action is needed to prevent dire consequences. They may ask you to send money quickly through methods that are difficult to trace, such as wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Unsolicited Communication: Avoid unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages requesting sensitive information or money. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for personal information or money through these channels without proper verification.
• Request for Personal Information: Scammers might ask for personal information like your Social Security number, checking and savings account details, passwords, or other sensitive data. Be skeptical of anyone requesting such information, especially if they initiate contact.
• Too Good to Be True Offers: If an offer or opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often promise unrealistic benefits or returns to entice victims.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Some scammers can manipulate caller ID to make it appear that their calls come from legitimate sources. Don’t solely rely on caller ID to verify the authenticity of a caller.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Be wary if you’re asked to make payments using unconventional methods like gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency. These methods are difficult to trace.
• Inconsistencies in Communication: Pay attention to spelling and grammar errors in emails, messages, or websites. Legitimate organizations usually maintain a professional standard of communication.
• Unusual URLs or Email Addresses: Check the URL of websites you’re asked to visit, or the email addresses you receive messages from. Scammers might use URLs that closely resemble legitimate sites or email addresses with slight variations from official ones.
• Lack of Official Documentation: If dealing with a government agency or official organization, they should be able to provide official credentials or references to verify their identity.
• Refusal to Answer Questions: If the person you’re communicating with avoids answering specific questions or becomes defensive when questioned, it could be a sign of a scam.
• Suspicious Caller Behavior: If a caller becomes aggressive, hostile, or uses threatening language, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate organizations won’t use such tactics.

It’s essential to stay alert. To protect yourself from imposter scams, verify the identity of individuals or organizations before sharing personal information or making payments, and trust your instincts. If you’re unsure about a communication or request, independently contact the organization or individual using the official contact information to confirm its legitimacy.

If you suspect fraud or have become a victim, you can report it for investigation in multiple places.

Reporting Actions

• To report phishing emails, forward the suspicious email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, Inc. (APWG) at [email protected].
• To register Internet crimes with the FBI, visit the organization’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
• The Federal Trade Commission also has a website dedicated to reporting fraud.
• Jimmy Patronis, the CFO for the state of  Florida has a website where citizens can make fraud statements; go to Fraud Free Florida.