Click the image above for a PDF infographic about Government Imposter Scams from the ABA Foundation.
Consumers reported more than 498,000 imposter scams to the Federal Trade Commission in 2020.
How to Spot the Scam Scammers will call, email, text, or direct message you on social media.
STOP. These are all scams!
How to Stop & Report the Scam
1. Don't give information or money to anyone who calls, texts, emails, or direct messages you on social media. Keep your Social Security, bank account, debit and credit card numbers to yourself.
2. Never make a payment to someone you don't know, especially by gift card, mobile payment apps, money transfer, or cryptocurrency. Only scammers will demand you pay that way. They know these payments are hard to reverse.
3. When in doubt, check it out. If you're concerned about the request, contact the agency directly. Look up the government agency's real number on the agency's site and call to get the story.
4. Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov Tell your bank, and be sure to share these tips with your friends and family.
Learn more at ftc.gov/imposters and aba.com/consumers
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