Impersonation Scams_ Guy in shadows

Tips to Spot the Signs of Impersonation Scams

Spotting the signs of impersonation scams can be tricky, but knowing the signs can help you outsmart fraudsters and keep your financial and personal information safe.

Impersonation scams are initiated by a person who pretends to be someone you can trust to gain access to your sensitive data or financial accounts. These scammers may pose as your financial institution, law enforcement officers, government agencies, businesses, or even friends and family members.

Signs of Impersonation Scams

Look for these signs if you receive messages via email, text message, social media, or phone call.

  • The email address does not match the official domain of the organization or name of the sender.
  • The scammer tries to move the conversation from a phone call, email, or social media platform to a messaging app like WhatsApp.
  • The scammer asks you for information they should already have or shouldn’t be asking for. For example, if a scammer posing as your financial institution asks you for your account number.
  • The scammer has a sense of urgency and claims you must provide information or payment to avoid consequences like arrest or fines.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Verify that the contact information is correct
  • If the caller/sender says they are from an organization you do deal with, get their information and hang up/stop messaging. Contact the organization directly to verify the information the caller/sender gave you.
  • Never share sensitive information
  • Use a secure internet browser that enables malware detection and/or allows for JavaScript to be disabled.

If you are Scammed

Time is of the essence if you think you have been scammed.

  • Contact your financial institution immediately if money is involved.
  • Impersonation scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov
  • Report any incident to the FBI Honolulu office (808) 566-4300, by filing a complaint online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) (ic3.gov), submitting a tip at fbi.gov, or calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
  • Report the incident to your local police department.