Impersonation Scam

Recognising and Responding to Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams involve fraudsters posing as trusted individuals or organizations to trick victims into providing money or sensitive information. Scammers may impersonate government officials, tech support representatives, family members, or even celebrities. These scams rely on trust, authority, and urgency to manipulate victims.

Things to Be Careful About:

Unsolicited Contact: Scammers often reach out unexpectedly via phone, email, or social media.
Demands for Immediate Action: Requests for urgent payments or sharing personal information are common tactics.
Unverified Credentials: Fraudsters may use fake IDs or spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
Emotionally Manipulative Appeals: Scammers posing as family members may claim to be in distress to exploit your emotions.
Generic Greetings: Impersonators often fail to personalise their messages, using phrases like "Dear Customer."

Actions You Can Take:

Verify Identities: Contact the organization or person directly using official channels to confirm the claim.
Pause Before Acting: Take time to evaluate the situation and consult trusted individuals if needed.
Secure Your Information: Never share sensitive data, such as passwords or financial details, with unverified contacts.
Use Caller ID Blocking Tools: Enable features that help detect and block spoofed or scam calls.
Report Scams: Notify consumer protection agencies or law enforcement about impersonation attempts to help combat these frauds.

Impersonation scams prey on trust and urgency. By staying vigilant, verifying claims, and taking time to evaluate requests, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to these schemes.