Don’t Be Fooled: How to Spot and Avoid Imposter Scams

Not everyone behind the screen is who they claim to be. Don’t let the mask fool you—learn to recognize the signs.  Photo: Wix Stock Images

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Article Contributed bIy TRUE Community Credit Union

What Is an Imposter Scam?

An imposter scam is when a scammer lies and pretends to be someone they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or even your personal information. Scammers often pretend to be from a well-known business, your financial institution, or even from a government agency.

How Imposter Scams Try to Trick You

Scammers often spoof phone numbers. This is intended to trick you into thinking the call is legitimate and they’re actually calling you from the government, financial institution, or a business you recognize.

• Scammers will provide you with a fake employee name or badge/ID number.

• Scammers will send official-looking letters with seals and make up government agency names that sound real but aren’t. They will provide you a fraudulent letter on your financial institution’s “letterhead” using an image from the internet.

How To Avoid Imposter Scams

• Never transfer or send money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or gold to someone you don’t know in response to an unexpected call or message.

• Never provide your personal information, such as your social security number, account number, or online banking login, to anyone over the phone.

• Don’t believe anyone who says you have to quickly move your money to “protect” it. Anyone who tells you that is a scammer.

• If the caller on the phone says it’s serious, involves a crime, claims to be from the government, or insists that you don’t talk to anyone about receiving the call, this is a scam.

• Don’t click on links or reply to unexpected text messages.

• Don’t call back using contact information provided in unexpected messages.

• If you think the message could be real, verify the story. Contact the organization in question using a phone number, website, or email address you know is real. Don't use contact information left in unexpected messages.

Using caution is one of the best ways to protect yourself from scams. A quick pause to confirm the details can give you peace of mind and added protection.

Visit TRUE Community Credit Union at TRUECCU.com for more tips to help keep your information safe from scammers.