IMPOSTER SCAMS
 

 

What is an Imposter?

An imposter is a person who pretends to be someone else.  Imposters may pretend to be someone you know, such as:

• a family member
• a friend
• a person you feel like you know but have not met in person

Imposters may pretend to be working for the government, such as the IRS.  Imposters may pretend to be from a company you trust -

•     a company you do business with - possibly your electric company
•     a company that can fix your computer
•     a company that gives out prizes
•     a charity that asks for donations

Imposters might say they are calling from a tech support company about a problem on your computer; you owe money to the IRS or another government agency; you just won a prize but you have to pay fees to get the prize; a friend or family member is in trouble and needs your help; or you got a check for too much money and you nned to send back the extra.

A gift card lets you give someone money to spend in a store.  When you buy a gift card, you decide how much money to put on it.  The card will have the store's name on it.  The store can be one you visit in person or online.  Someone can use the card to buy things at that store.  Someone can also use the card just by having the numbers on the back of the card.  Gift cards are like cash.  If you buy a gift card and someone uses it, you cannot get your money back.  Gift cards are for gifts - not payments!

When you wire money, you are sending cash to someone far away.  This is also called a money transfer.  Many people wire money to family and friends in other cities or countries.  Wiring money is like sending cash - you cannot get your money back.

• You get an email from a tech support company about a problem on your computer.  They ask you to pay for their services with a gift card.
• You get a call from the IRS about money that you owe to the government.  They tell you that you need to pay with a gift card.
• You buy something online.  The seller tells you to pay by wiring money.
• You get a check for something you are selling.  The check is for too much money.  The buyer tells you to deposit the check and wire the extra money.
• Someone calls to say you inherited money, but first you have to wire money for the taxes.
• You see an ad promising you a credit card.  First, you have to wire money to pay to apply.

These are all scams.

Scammers are very good at fooling people.  They want to rush you.  They want your money before you have time to think.  Before you do anything, stop and think.

• The tech support company?  They may say they are from a company you trust.  They might seem to know things about your computer.  Don't give them access to your computer.  Real tech support companies don't email or call you about computer problems.  They don't tell you to pay with a gift card or wire money.
• The person from the IRS?  The IRS does not call you to ask for money and would NEVER ask you to pay with a gift card or wire money.
• The person who needs money for an emergency?  Call that person or another family member.
• The inheritance or prize?  You do not have to pay for a prize.  NEVER!  Talk to someone you trust.

If you gave money to a scammer once, you will probably get another call for money.  You can help yourself.  Do not give the scammer anymore money.

You can also help other people.  Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission.  Also report it to the company named on the gift card or to the money wiring company.

The FTC uses complaints to build cases against scammers.  Any information you can provide helps investigators.

If you sent money to someone who contacted  you, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

•   Call the FTC at 1-877-382-4357
•   Go online:  ftc.gov/complaint

                                                                            (Information provided by the Federal Trade Commission)
                                                                             Further information online at consumer.gov