What To Do If You Fell For an Impersonation Scam

🚨 Immediate Actions

• 01Stop communicating with the impersonator immediately
• 02Verify the real identity by contacting the person or organization through official channels
• 03Save all messages, call logs, and evidence of the interaction
• 04Alert the person or organization being impersonated

🔐 If You Shared Personal Information

• 01Place a fraud alert with all three credit bureaus
• 02Change passwords on any mentioned or related accounts
• 03File an identity theft report at IdentityTheft.gov if your SSN was shared
• 04Monitor your credit and financial accounts for 90 days minimum

💸 If You Sent Money

• 01Contact your bank or payment provider to report fraud immediately
• 02Request a reversal or chargeback on the transaction
• 03File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• 04If someone impersonated a government agency, report to that agency directly

🔍 How This Scam Works

Impersonation scams involve criminals pretending to be someone you trust — a government agency, bank, tech company, family member, or boss. They use spoofed phone numbers, fake email addresses, and official-sounding language to trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

🛡️ How To Avoid This Scam In The Future

• 01Always verify requests for money or information through a separate, trusted channel
• 02Government agencies never demand immediate payment by phone or text
• 03Be suspicious of unexpected urgent requests — even from known contacts
• 04Verify email sender addresses and phone numbers independently

Official Reporting Resources

• FTC Report Fraud →
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center →
• IdentityTheft.gov →