Scams & Frauds

Impersonation Scams

Impersonation scams occur when criminals pretend to be someone you know or trust, such as a law enforcement officer, government official, bank representative, utility employee, family member, or business, to trick you into providing money or personal information. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency by claiming you owe money, your account has been compromised, or a loved one is in trouble. They will also often demand that you not speak to anyone else, including family, about the matter. They may contact victims by phone, text message, email, or social media. They may also engage in spoofing their phone number or email address, which is a method by which a phone number or email is altered to appear as something other than what it actually is. This may also be accomplished by “phishing”, in which emails, text messages, or phone calls are sent to a large number of people in the hopes that some will respond. The large volume of spam calls and emails that we all receive on a daily basis are examples of phishing. Remember: legitimate organizations will not pressure you to act immediately or demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps. If you receive a suspicious request, stop, verify the person's identity using a trusted phone number or official website, and never provide personal or financial information until you are certain the request is legitimate.

Investment Scams

Investment scams are fraudulent schemes that promise high returns with little or no risk to convince people to invest money. Scammers often promote fake investment opportunities involving cryptocurrency, stocks, real estate, precious metals, or other ventures, and may use professional-looking websites, social media, or unsolicited messages (phishing) to appear legitimate. They frequently create a sense of urgency, claim the opportunity is "exclusive," or pressure victims to invest quickly before they have time to research the offer. In many cases, victims may initially see fake profits displayed on a website or app, only to discover they cannot withdraw their money. Before investing, independently verify the company and investment opportunity, be skeptical of guaranteed returns, and never send money or share financial information based solely on unsolicited advice or online communications.

Romance Scams

Romance scams occur when criminals create fake online identities to establish emotional relationships with victims for the purpose of stealing money or personal information. These scams often begin through dating websites, social media platforms, or messaging apps, where scammers spend weeks or even months building trust before claiming to face a financial emergency, travel problem, medical crisis, or investment opportunity. They may avoid meeting in person or making video calls and often ask for money through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. Be cautious if someone you have never met in person expresses strong feelings quickly or asks for financial assistance. Never send money or share sensitive personal or financial information with someone you know only online and be wary of requests to move conversations off a dating platform or keep the relationship secret.

Business Scams

Business scams target businesses of all sizes by deceiving owners or employees into sending money, providing sensitive information, or granting unauthorized access to financial accounts or computer systems. Common schemes include fake invoices, fraudulent vendor or supplier requests, business email compromise (BEC), payroll diversion, tech support scams, and callers posing as government agencies or utility companies demanding immediate payment. Scammers often rely on urgency, intimidation, or spoofed email addresses and phone numbers to appear legitimate. Businesses can reduce their risk by verifying payment requests through a trusted contact, using multi-factor authentication, training employees to recognize fraud, and requiring a second level of approval for financial transactions or changes to payment information.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals and uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver's license number, bank account information, or online account credentials, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Criminals may use your identity to open credit accounts, make unauthorized purchases, file fraudulent tax returns, obtain medical services, or access your financial accounts. Identity theft often begins through phishing emails, data breaches, stolen mail, skimming devices, or compromised online accounts. To help protect yourself, safeguard your personal information by using strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports, and shred documents containing sensitive information before discarding them. If you suspect your identity has been stolen, report it immediately to your financial institutions, monitor your credit, and notify law enforcement if appropriate.

Additional Reporting Resources

Cyber-related Incidents:

Credit Reporting Bureaus