Impersonation scams, where a fraudster pretends to be a government agency or a business you trust, are the most reported type of fraud to the FTC. In 2025, consumers filed more than a million imposter-scam reports and described losses of nearly $3.5 billion. The agency says the true total is likely higher.
Many of these scams begin online. Nearly 30% of people who reported losing money said the scammer first reached them on social media, and the FTC is now asking for public input on whether ad platforms should do more to stop fake business and government ads before people ever see them.
The pattern is usually the same: an ad, message, or call that looks official, a sense of urgency, and a request for money or personal information.
How to protect yourself and your parents:
- Treat ads and social media messages claiming to be from a bank, agency, or retailer with caution. Go to the real website by typing it in yourself.
- Government agencies don’t demand payment by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer. Anyone who does is not who they say they are.
- Slow down. A pushy deadline is a warning sign. Hang up, then call the organization using a number you find independently.
Report impersonation scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Source: FTC Consumer Protection