Can you spot an impostor scam? (2.5 min read)
Cyber fraud is on the rise, and awareness is one of the best ways to keep yourself protected. Over the next few weeks, we will be keeping you informed of the most common threats and how you can spot and prevent them. This Blogs cyber fraud topic covers…
Imposter Scams
These scams involve someone pretending to be a trusted figure—like a government official, tech support, or a company representative—to steal your money or personal information.
Scammers may isolate you, urging you to keep secrets or act quickly.
Red flag: If someone claims there’s fraud and urges you to move money out of your account, they are the fraudster.
Types of Imposter Scams:
Tech Support Scams
A fake virus warning may pop up on your computer, or you may receive a call saying that your financial institution has been hacked. The scammer will ask you to "transfer your money to a secure account" or connect you with a fake government agency.Suspicious Purchase Scams
You might receive a spoofed call or text from what appears to be Amazon or another major company, claiming there was a suspicious purchase on your account. Once they've constructed a false narrative, they'll try to scare you into giving them your credit card or bank account information.Lottery/Prize Scams
Scammers will tell you that you’ve won a prize but need to pay taxes or fees to claim it. They'll ask you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, but remember: no legitimate sweepstakes will ever ask for money or your financial details.
How to Protect Yourself:
Never move your money to "protect it."
Never call a number from a pop-up warning.
Don't share verification codes; your bank or a trusted organization will never ask for them.
If you're worried, hang up the phone and call your bank, accountant, online retailer, or us directly.
You can report scams at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Cyber fraud is on the rise, and we aim to give you the tools and knowledge to protect yourself!
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