Impersonation Scams

Don’t Fall for the Fake Utility Inspector: How to Spot the Scam Your phone rings. The caller ID might even look somewhat official. The person on the other end claims to be from your state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC) or a similar regulatory agency. They say your utility bill is seriously overdue, your service is about to be shut off within the hour, and you must pay immediately—usually via wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or cryptocurrency. They sound urgent, authoritative, and convincing. ...

Your Guide to Spotting Impersonation Scams for National Consumer Protection Week National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is more than just a government announcement—it’s an annual reminder to pause and check your digital defenses. For 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is continuing to sound the alarm on a particularly pervasive threat: impersonation scams. These scams, where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust, have cost consumers billions in recent years and show no sign of slowing down. This NCPW, let’s turn awareness into action by learning how to spot, stop, and report these deceptive schemes. ...