What to Do When Someone Pretends to Be Your Bank, the Government, or a Loved One

Every March, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer protection agencies mark National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW). It’s a coordinated push to share advice that helps people recognize and avoid scams. While the week itself is a useful prompt, the guidance is designed for year-round use.

The core message is often straightforward: be skeptical, go slowly, and verify. But in the moment, when you receive a convincing text, email, or call, that’s easier said than done. One of the most pervasive and damaging categories of fraud highlighted during these campaigns is the impersonation scam.

The Scam That’s Everywhere: Impersonation

Impersonation scams are exactly what they sound like. A fraudster pretends to be someone you trust to trick you into sending money or sharing sensitive information. The FTC consistently identifies this as a major threat, and it comes in several familiar guises:

  • Government Impersonators: Calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare. They often threaten arrest, deportation, or loss of benefits unless you pay immediately with a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
  • Business Impersonators: Messages that appear to be from your bank, a tech support service (like Microsoft or Apple), a utility company, or a familiar online store like Amazon. They allege a problem with your account, a suspicious charge, or a subscription renewal to create urgency.
  • Family or Friend Impersonators: A message, often a text, from a “family member” claiming to be in a sudden crisis—jail, a car accident, stranded abroad—and needing money fast.

The emotional trigger—fear, urgency, or a desire to help—is the scammer’s primary tool. The communication will pressure you to act now, without thinking or consulting anyone else.

How to Build Your Daily Defense

Protecting yourself isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about having a few reliable habits. Here are practical steps you can incorporate into your routine.

1. Pause and Verify the Story. If a message creates a sense of panic, that’s your cue to slow down. Legitimate organizations will not demand immediate payment by unusual means. Do not use any phone number, link, or contact information provided in the suspicious message. Instead:

  • For a supposed government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on their genuine .gov website.
  • For a business, log into your account directly through its official app or website—not via a link in a text or email—to check for alerts.
  • For a family emergency, hang up and directly call the person who supposedly contacted you, or another relative who can confirm their whereabouts.

2. Spot the Red Flags in Communication. Scammers are getting better at faking sender names and logos, but their tactics often reveal them:

  • Urgent Demands for Secrecy: They insist you not tell anyone, like your bank or family.
  • Specific, Unusual Payment Demands: No real government agency or reputable business will demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers (like MoneyGram or Western Union), or cryptocurrency.
  • Poor Grammar and Spelling: While less common now, odd phrasing or mistakes in official-looking communications are a telltale sign.
  • Requests for Remote Access: A “tech support” person asking you to download software that lets them control your computer is a massive red flag.

3. Fortify Your Accounts and Data. Make it harder for scammers to target you or use your information if they get it.

  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords for every account.
  • Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This adds a critical second step (like a code from an app) to logins, blocking most unauthorized access even if a password is stolen.
  • Limit What You Share Publicly: Be mindful of the personal details you post on social media, like your birthdate, pet names, or mother’s maiden name, which can be used to guess passwords or answer security questions.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted or Scammed

Even the most cautious person can be caught off guard. If you suspect you’ve encountered a scam or have lost money, your actions can protect yourself and others.

  1. Report It. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is crucial. Your report helps law enforcement spot trends, investigate, and build cases against scammers. The information goes into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a database used by thousands of law enforcers.
  2. Contact Your Financial Institution. If you sent money or shared bank/credit card details, call your bank, credit union, or credit card company immediately. They may be able to stop a transaction or help secure your account.
  3. Secure Your Identity. If you shared sensitive personal information like your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov. This FTC site provides a personalized recovery plan based on your specific situation.

The Bigger Picture

National Consumer Protection Week is a helpful annual reminder, but vigilance is a daily practice. Scammers don’t take a week off. By understanding their most common playbook—impersonation—and adopting a few consistent verification habits, you can significantly reduce your risk.

The most powerful tools you have are your own skepticism and the willingness to take a breath before you act. When in doubt, don’t engage. Hang up the phone, delete the text or email, and initiate contact yourself through a verified, official channel. It’s the simplest and most effective step you can take.