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Imposter Scams

Imposter scams come in many varieties, but work the same way: a scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. Learn how to spot an imposter scam.

You’ve probably gotten calls claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. Watch how two people handle these calls and learn what you can do to avoid government imposter scams.

IRS Imposter Scams

You get a call from someone who says she’s from the IRS. She says that you owe back taxes. But do you?

Have You Heard About... IRS Imposter Scams?

For active older adults.

Government Imposter Scams

Scammers sometimes impersonate government officials — and tempt you with bogus lottery and sweepstakes "winnings" — to get you to send money.

IRS Imposter Scams Infographic

Scammers pretend to be IRS officials to get you to send them money.

Nanny and Caregiver Imposter Scams

Caregiver websites can help you find jobs, but scammers also use them to find people to rip off.

Fraud Affects Every Community: Family Emergency Scams

The first-person story of how one family responded to a family emergency scam: by putting it on the radio.

Tech Support Scams

You get a call from someone who says he’s a computer technician. But is he?

Have You Heard About... Tech Support Scams?

For active older adults.

Tech Support Scams

Who is calling out of the blue, claiming to be able to "fix" your computer? A scammer, that’s who.

Grandkid Scams

You get a call: “Grandma, I need money for bail.” Or some other kind of trouble. But is it your grandchild?

Have You Heard About... Grandkid Scams?

For active older adults.

Family Emergency Scams

Scammers sometimes impersonate relatives and friends to trick you into sending them money.

Online Dating Scams

You meet someone special on a dating website, but then he needs money.

Have You Heard About... Online Dating Scams?

For active older adults.

Online Dating Scams

Signs that your online love is a scam artist.