Introduction: The Mask of Trust
You answer a call from “your bank” warning about suspicious activity. An urgent email from “the tax office” demands immediate payment. A distressed message from “your CEO” asks for a wire transfer. These aren’t mistakes they’re impersonation scams, where criminals wear digital masks to steal your money and data. With 74% of fraud losses tied to impersonation scams (FTC), this guide reveals how these impersonation scams work, how to spot them, and how to fight back.
What Are Impersonation Scams? (Identity Theft Alert)
Impersonation scams occur when fraudsters pose as trusted entities to manipulate victims. By hijacking authority or familiarity, they bypass skepticism. Common targets include:
- Financial institutions (banks, credit unions)
- Government agencies (IRS, Social Security)
- Business executives (CEO, HR department)
- Friends/family (via compromised social accounts)
Top 5 Impersonation Scam Platforms
1. Phone Calls & SMS
- Tactic: “Urgent” alerts about frozen accounts or fines.
- Red Flag: Pressure to act immediately or share verification codes.
2. Email
- Tactic: Fake invoices, legal threats, or fake “security alerts.”
- Red Flag: Mismatched sender addresses (e.g., support@bank-security.com instead of @bankofficial.com).
3. Social Media
- Tactic: Cloned profiles of friends requesting money for “emergencies.“
- Red Flag: Out-of-character requests (e.g., “I need gift cards for a hospital bill”).
4. Messaging Apps (WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Tactic: Impersonating tech support with fake “subscription renewal” scams.
- Red Flag: Links to unverified payment portals.
5. Fake Websites
- Tactic: Mirror sites mimicking banks or government portals.
- Red Flag: URLs without https:// or subtle misspellings (e.g., g0v-tax.org).
Red Flags to Spot Impersonation Scams
- Urgency & Fear: Threats like “Your account closes in 24 hours!”
- Unusual Payment Demands: Requests for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- Verification Overload: Asking for passwords, PINs, or biometric data.
- Inconsistencies: Poor grammar, odd email domains, or profile mismatches.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: “Tax refunds” requiring “processing fees.”
- Isolation Tactics: Demands to keep communication secret.
Scam Response: Report Fraud FAST
- Freeze: Contact your bank/card issuer immediately.
- Report:
- INDIA: Any digital related scams https://cybercrime.gov.in
- USA: FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
- UK: Action Fraud via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk
- Document: Save emails, screenshots, and call logs.
- Alert: Notify the impersonated organization (e.g., your real bank).
- Report in Scamyodha to prevent others from being scammed.
Fraud Prevention: 4 Proactive Security Steps
- Verify Separately: Contact institutions via official websites/phones—never use details provided in a suspicious message.
- Enable MFA: Use multi-factor authentication on all critical accounts.
- Educate Your Network: Warn family/colleagues about common tactics.
- Use Security Tools: Enable spam filters, anti-phishing email settings, and caller ID apps.
- Check for Scam in ScamYodha: Make it a practice to check in Scamyodha before making any financial transactions or sharing financial info.
Tear Off the Mask
Impersonation scams thrive on exploiting trust—but knowledge strips fraudsters of their power. By recognising red flags and pausing before reacting, you transform from target to shield. Stay vigilant: trust, but always verify.
Senior Software Engineer, Ceegees Software Solutions Pvt Ltd.