Avoid Imposter Fraud

Imagine receiving a notification that informs you about a job prospect from a respectable company that includes many great points, and most importantly, the position pays well. Your interest is piqued, so you begin to imagine what it would be like to work in a job with such great benefits. A day or so after you apply for the job, they hire you and want you to pay a registration fee to complete the hiring process. You are dismayed because your heart fell for this scam and put your hopes in those false promises. Thankfully, you saw the red flag and dodged a fraud scheme.

What is Imposter Fraud?

Imposter fraud occurs anytime someone pretends to be someone they are not to steal personal information or money. The story is not always the same. These scammers will pretend to be anyone if it gets them to their goal, like a love interest, a government official, a family member, tech support reps, or they even pose as legitimate businesses. They will contact their targets by any means: email, text, phone call, or mail. And they build fake websites, often imitating legitimate companies.

Warning Signs of a Scam

In the scenario above, you recognized the threat and dodged imposter fraud. Legitimate organizations do not ask for fees when they hire staff. There are many other suspicious indicators that you may be dealing with a criminal. Here are some clues to watch for:

1. Unsolicited Communication: Unexpected calls, emails, or messages are often from swindlers, even if they claim to be from a reputable organization. Be confident that you know the people and entities that get your information.
2. High-Pressure Tactics: Fraudsters use a sense of urgency to push you to act quickly.
3. Strange Payment Methods: Requests for payment through unconventional methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
4. Big Rewards for Little Effort: Promises of large sums of money, prizes, or other high-value rewards that seem too good to be true.
5. Grammar and Spelling Mistakes: Emails or messages from legitimate organizations will appear professionally written.
6. Questionable Links and Attachments: Use extra caution when opening emails. They might contain suspicious links or attachments that could lead to phishing websites or malware.
7. Demands of Confidentiality: Asking you to keep the contact or transaction a secret.
8. Lack of Official Documentation: If dealing with a government agency or official organization, they should be able to provide official credentials or references to verify their identity.
9. Vague Answers or Rude Attitude: If a caller refuses to answer your questions, becomes hostile, or issues threats they are most likely scammers.

Unfortunately, imposter fraud is on the rise. Almost $618 million was reported lost to imposter scams in 2023. Authorities believe that not everyone reports these crimes and the actual losses run much deeper. It is important to alert the authorities and make a statement if you even suspect there may be fraud. The details are shared by various law enforcement agencies to find patterns in these crimes that aid them in catching the crooks and educating the public.

Whether you have become a victim or just suspect any fraud, you should report the activity to your police or sheriff’s department. Below you will find a list of ways to make a statement beyond the local level.

Click here to report phishing emails to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, Inc. (APWG). To register Internet crimes with the FBI, visit the organization’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The Federal Trade Commission also has a website dedicated to reporting fraud. Anyone should be able to contact their state attorney’s office. If you reside in Florida, go to Fraud Free Florida.

If you have become a victim of a scam, contact your credit union as soon as possible. Click here for the FSU Credit Union contact page.