Scammers impersonate FTC officials, including Chairman Andrew Ferguson

Scammers lie and pretend to be someone they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your accounts, or your personal information. They pretend to be from a business you know or from a government agency — or both. In the latest twist on these constantly evolving schemes, scammers are claiming to be FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson.

The scam often starts with an unexpected call or message about a routine problem — like a suspicious purchase on your Amazon account, a virus on your computer, or an account breach. Then the scammer transfers you to someone they claim is with the government and can help with the problem.

The fraudsters go to great lengths to gain your trust. Some make up government agency names that sound real but aren’t. Others impersonate real government agencies, including the FTC. Some scammers use made-up employee names and fake employee ID badges. While others have the nerve to use the names of real FTC officials, including Chairman Andrew Ferguson.

No matter who they say they are, the helper does not work for the government, and they’re not there to help you. They’re in on the scam.

The scammer lies and says you must move your money to protect it. Then they tell you to transfer money from your bank or retirement account to a supposedly secure account. Or to deposit it at a cryptocurrency ATM. The problem is the scammer controls those accounts and quickly steals your money.

What to know

Someone who really works at the FTC won’t tell you to move your money to protect it. They won’t tell you to deposit your money into a cryptocurrency ATM. And they won’t tell you to give cash or gold to someone they’ll send to pick it up.

What to do

If you get an unexpected call or message about a problem with one of your accounts and you think it could be real, verify the story. Contact your bank, broker, investment advisor, or credit card company by using the number you find on your account statement, or logging into your account. Don’t use contact information you got in the unexpected message or call.

Report imposter scams and other attempts to steal your money or personal information to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.