Protect Yourself from Scammers Impersonating People You Trust

Not all scams come from unknown sources. Cybercriminals often pose as banks, businesses, coworkers, or family members to make their messages and requests appear legitimate.

These impersonation scams are designed to build trust before tricking you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Learn how to identify common scams and protect yourself from financial fraud.

Bank Impersonation Scams

Fraudsters may contact you by phone or text, pretending to be from your financial institution. They might claim your account has been compromised and request personal details or a one-time verification code. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact your bank directly using a verified phone number.

Family Emergency Fraud

Scammers may pretend to be a family member facing an urgent situation, such as an accident or unexpected financial emergency. Before providing money or information, reach out to your loved one directly or confirm the situation with another trusted person.

Spoofed Phone Numbers

Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make incoming calls appear to come from legitimate organizations or familiar contacts. Even if you recognize the number, don't assume the caller is trustworthy without independently verifying their identity.

AI Voice Cloning Scams

Artificial intelligence allows cybercriminals to recreate familiar voices and generate realistic emails or text messages. If you receive an unexpected or unusual request, take time to confirm its authenticity through a separate, trusted communication channel.

Before You Proceed...

Staying safe from scams starts with recognizing suspicious requests and verifying who you're communicating with. Even when a message appears to come from someone familiar, a few extra moments of caution can help safeguard your identity and financial information.

Protecting yourself online doesn't mean distrusting everyone. It means staying informed, recognizing potential fraud, and thinking carefully before taking action.