Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams

Using old tactics and new twists, scammers are impersonating government agencies, including the FTC, to try to steal people’s personal information and money. The FTC is committed to combatting these imposter scams, and there’s encouraging news these efforts are making a difference to American consumers.

Every day, we’re working to increase awareness about FTC imposter scams by giving people practical information when and where they need it — like the FTC’s anatomy of an imposter scam blog series. We take it seriously when scammers claim that the Chairman of the FTC is on the line to help you get out of a bind or that you’re being charged with serious crimes. No one at the FTC will call, email, or text you to say any of those things. That’s why you’ll find clear warnings across the FTC’s website, on our homepage, on the bio pages for FTC commissioners and officials:

The FTC will never demand money, make threats, tell you to transfer money, or promise you a prize. If you have been targeted by an illegal business practice or scam, report it.

These warnings are getting noticed and making a difference, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Listen to people who — in the middle of a conversation with a scammer pretending to be from the FTC — stopped and searched for the FTC online. They found our advice just in time to hang up and report it to the FTC:

“I googled FTC and found out [the call about a prize was] a scam, so I am reporting it!!”

“I checked the FTC website and discovered the FTC will not ask you to withdraw money during an investigation.”

We’re also witnessing the role that technology can play in amplifying these messages. Through the power of AI, search engines are now highlighting FTC advice at the top of their results pages. And popular chatbots are answering questions like, “Will the FTC text me?” and “Will the FTC threaten me?” with answers straight from the FTC: no, the FTC will not text or threaten you. That’s a scam.

While these developments are encouraging, too many people are still losing money to government imposters. There’s more work to be done and the FTC is on the case. But here’s how you can help, too. Talk about these scams. Help the people you care about know how to slow down, check it out, and stop before they pay a scammer. Read and share How To Avoid Imposter Scams. Help a friend sign up to get Consumer Alerts just like this one. And encourage people to report imposter scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.