Impersonation scams are on the rise, with fraudsters increasingly using the names and titles of government employees. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is aware of recent reports of scammers claiming to represent the agency.
While CISA staff may occasionally contact organizations with important notifications, they will never request money, whether through wire transfers, cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Additionally, they will not instruct individuals to keep conversations secret.
If you suspect you are a target of an impersonation scammer claiming to be a CISA employee, take the following steps:
● Do not pay the caller.
● Take note of the phone number calling you.
● Hang up immediately.
● Validate the contact by calling CISA at (844) SAY-CISA (844-729-2472) or report it to law enforcement.
The Scale of Impersonation Scams
Scams that impersonate well-known businesses and government agencies consistently rank among the top frauds reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through its Consumer Sentinel Network. In 2023, there were over 330,000 reports of business impersonation scams and nearly 160,000 reports of government impersonation scams. These figures represent nearly half of all fraud reports submitted to the agency. Collectively, reported losses to impersonation scams exceeded $1.1 billion for the year, more than three times the amount reported in 2020.
Changing Tactics of Scammers
While impersonation scams are not new, the methods employed by scammers have evolved. Between 2020 and 2023, reports of scams initiated through phone calls have decreased, while scams beginning with texts or emails have surged.
Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in reported losses through bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Scammers are also blurring the lines between business and government impersonation, often posing as multiple organizations in a single scam. For instance, a fake Amazon employee might connect a victim to a fraudulent bank or even a counterfeit FBI or FTC agent under the pretense of offering help.
Top Impersonation Scams
While impersonation scams manifest in various forms, the following five types accounted for nearly half of the reports in 2023:
Copycat Account Security Alerts:
Scammers send messages claiming suspicious activity on your accounts, often posing as Amazon or your bank. They may instruct you to call a number or reply to a text, leading you to transfer funds or load cash into a Bitcoin ATM under pretenses.
Phony Subscription Renewals:
These scams resemble routine notifications about auto-renewing accounts you never opened, often falsely attributed to companies like Geek Squad. Scammers will ask for remote access to your computer to process a “refund,” ultimately tricking you into returning money through gift cards.
Fake Giveaways, Discounts, or Money to Claim:
Scammers create messages about enticing giveaways or discounts from familiar companies or even government money you can supposedly claim. These fraudulent offers typically require payment via gift cards or cash transfers to access the supposed benefits.
Bogus Problems with the Law:
Impersonators claim to be government agents informing victims that their identity has been used in serious crimes, such as money laundering. They promise to help resolve the issue but only ask for money transfers or gift card purchases.
Made-Up Package Delivery Problems:
Scammers impersonate delivery services like USPS or UPS, claiming delivery issues. They often provide links to fake websites or request bank account details under the guise of charging a "redelivery fee."
How to Spot and Avoid These Scams
To protect yourself from impersonation scams, consider the following strategies:
- Never click on links or respond to unexpected messages. If you think a message may be legitimate, contact the company or agency directly using a verified phone number or website—not the contact information provided in the message.
- Avoid anyone asking you to buy gift cards, use a Bitcoin ATM, or move money to resolve issues. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will never make such requests.
- Take your time. Scammers often try to rush victims into making hasty decisions. Always pause to evaluate the situation and consult someone you trust before proceeding. Anyone pushing you to pay or provide information is likely a scammer.
Enhancing Your Security with a VPN
In addition to being vigilant, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can further enhance your security against impersonation scams:
Encryption of Online Activity: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it more difficult for scammers to track your online behavior or intercept sensitive information. This added security can help protect against targeted scams.
Masking Your IP Address: By masking your IP address, a VPN can prevent scammers from identifying your location and personal information, reducing the risk of being targeted by local scams.
Secure Public Wi-Fi Use: Public Wi-Fi networks are often hotspots for scammers looking to exploit unsuspecting users. A VPN protects your data on these networks, minimizing the risk of falling victim to impersonation attempts or identity theft.
Access to Reliable Information: Some VPNs allow users to access resources and information from different regions, helping them stay informed about the latest scams and cybersecurity threats affecting various demographics.
By staying informed, and vigilant, and utilizing tools like a VPN, individuals can better protect themselves from falling victim to impersonation scams and help reduce the prevalence of this growing threat.
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