Help fight imposter scams this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Scammers pretend to be someone you know or trust to trick you into sending money or personal information. This is the most common scam reported in 2025.
How it works
A scammer contacts you by phone, text, email, or social media claiming to be a family member, government official, or trusted organization. They create urgency by describing an emergency or opportunity that requires immediate action. They then ask you to send money, gift cards, or personal information.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or message claims to be family member in sudden emergency
- Government official asking for payment upfront by wire or gift card
- Pressure to act immediately without time to verify
- Request for personal information like SSN or bank details
- Caller blocks you from contacting the real person or organization
What to do
Do not send money or share personal information based on an unsolicited contact. Hang up and call the person or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is real. If someone claims to be a family member in crisis, contact that family member through a number you have on file before sending anything.
If this reached you
Source: FTC . Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.