A real FTC employee won’t text you their photo ID to “verify” their identity
Scammers text you claiming to be an FTC employee and offer to help recover money from a previous scam. They ask you to verify your identity or provide access to accounts.
How it works
You receive a text or call from someone claiming to be an FTC agent. They say they can help you recover money lost in a scam. They ask you to send a photo of your ID or provide access to your financial accounts to "verify" your identity or set up recovery. The scammer then uses this information to steal from you.
Red flags to watch for
- Someone texts claiming to be an FTC employee offering to recover lost money
- They ask you to send a photo of your ID or driver's license
- They request access to your bank or credit card accounts
- Real FTC staff never contact you by unsolicited text or ask for personal info
- Sense of urgency tied to a previous scam you fell for
What to do
Do not respond to the text or call, do not send any ID photos, and do not share account access. Hang up or stop replying. If you want to check on a real FTC investigation, call the FTC directly using the phone number on ftc.gov (not a number they gave you). Report the fake message to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and forward it to 7726 (SPAM).
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.