Impersonation scams: not what they used to be

How it works

A message arrives by text, email, or phone claiming to be from Amazon, your bank, FedEx, or a government agency. The message reports a fake problem like a suspicious charge, a package delivery issue, an unclaimed government benefit, or a legal threat. You're asked to click a link, call a number, verify information, or send money to fix the problem. Once you engage, the scammer uses high-pressure tactics and emotional manipulation to get you to transfer funds, buy gift cards, load cash into Bitcoin ATMs, or give up personal information.

Red flags to watch for

• Message asks you to click a link or call a number provided in the message, not one you look up yourself
• You are asked to buy gift cards or use Bitcoin ATMs to fix a problem or protect money
• Message creates urgency about a problem you didn't know existed
• Caller says they need remote access to your computer to process a refund
• Sender claims you won a prize or owe a debt but you didn't enter a contest or borrow money
• Real company or agency logos and formatting in an unsolicited message

What to do

Do not click links, call numbers, or respond to unexpected messages, even if they look real. Instead, hang up or ignore the message, then contact the company or agency directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate by typing it in yourself. Never buy gift cards, use Bitcoin ATMs, or move money to protect funds or fix a problem; real businesses and agencies never ask for this. If you are unsure, talk to someone you trust before taking any action, and report the message to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.