Scammers Will Impersonate Authority Figures - Beware!
Recent reports to the FTC highlight an alarming increase in scams targeting the life savings of retirees. Scammers often impersonate reputable government agencies and businesses, exploiting the trust of older adults. Ironically, many of these con artists employ counterfeit security alerts and false warnings to manipulate seniors’ concerns about safeguarding their finances and identities, ultimately stealing their funds. Numerous individuals aged 60 and above have reported draining their bank accounts and emptying their 401(k) plans.
While younger individuals also fall victim to these schemes, older adults are significantly more likely to report substantial financial losses, often in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. The statistics are striking: from 2020 to 2024, the number of cases involving older adults losing $10,000 or more to scams surged over four times. Particularly concerning is that reports of losses exceeding $100,000 increased nearly sevenfold, with total reported losses rising eightfold during the same timeframe.
These high-stakes scams generally initiate with a fabricated story designed to grab your attention using one or more of the following falsehoods:
Lie #1: Your accounts are compromised. Scammers may impersonate your bank, claiming to detect unusual activity, or pose as Amazon, alerting you to an unauthorized transaction;
Lie #2: Your identity is linked to criminal activity. This ruse may come from someone pretending to be a government agent, insisting that your Social Security number is involved in serious crimes such as drug trafficking or money laundering; or
Lie #3: There's an issue with your computer's security. This deception often begins with a bogus on-screen alert that resembles a legitimate message from Microsoft or Apple, followed by a phone number to call. If you reach out, they might claim your online accounts have been hacked.
The crooks assert that the only solution to this (fabricated) crisis is to follow their directions, which typically involves sending money to them. They may claim this is necessary to protect your assets, secure your identity, clear your name, or assist in capturing the so-called criminals. While the story may include various complicated elements, it is fundamentally a ruse aimed at emptying your accounts. Evidence shows that individuals who believe they are resolving an issue rather than giving money to a stranger often face losses limited only by their financial resources.
Although many scams are executed online, they ultimately rely on phone communication. Even if the scam does not begin with a call, the objective is to get you on the line. Conversations are effective in amplifying fear and urgency, making it challenging for you to think rationally or verify information. Keeping you on the phone also serves to isolate you from anyone who could provide assistance, like a friend or family member in a more composed mindset who could help you see through the deception.
Please, if you come across a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Fraudsters continue to impersonate law enforcement, claiming you’ve missed jury duty and demanding payment. Recently, some have taken it a step further by directing victims to a website to input personal details, allowing them to pilfer your identity and funds.
The scam begins with a call impersonating an officer from your local police department (which it is not). They assert you have missed jury duty (most likely false) and threaten arrest unless you visit a website to pay a fine (which is also untrue).
They will redirect you to a site that appears legitimate, featuring an official-sounding URL and government-like seals (all fabricated). The website prompts you for your birthdate and Social Security number to “determine how much you owe.” It might demand payment of up to $10,000 in fines or direct you to a “government kiosk” (that does not exist) for cryptocurrency payments. Everything about this is a scam.
Here is what you should know:
Authentic police officers do not call to inform you about potential arrests or threaten you for hanging up, even if the caller ID shows your local precinct (scammers can spoof that).
Only scammers demand payment through cash, gift cards, apps, cryptocurrencies, or wire services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Notify the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you suspect the call might be legitimate, do not visit the provided URL. Instead, check the official court website for jury duty information or contact the court directly using a verified phone number.
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Text Scams Target the Unsuspecting
It is likely that you have received a fraudulent text regarding unpaid toll fees or know someone who has. Scammers are now taking it up a notch by impersonating Motor Vehicle Departments (DMVs) from various states. They pressure you to pay for an "outstanding traffic ticket" and threaten to revoke your driving privileges (and more) if you do not comply. This is how the scam operates.
You will receive an unexpected message that appears to be from your state’s DMV, stating that there is an overdue traffic ticket linked to your name. It may contain a payment link and warn you that failing to pay right away will result in your details being reported to a so-called "DMV violation database," resulting in suspension of your vehicle registration and license, and a hefty 35% service charge. The text may even imply legal action against you and risk damaging your credit score — but it is all an elaborate scheme designed to steal your money and personal data.
To steer clear of this type of text scam:
Avoid clicking on links or responding to unexpected texts. Scammers hope to catch you off guard and extract your personal information before you realize something is amiss. Take a moment to consult someone you trust.
If you are concerned, contact your DMV directly. Use a phone number or website that you know is legitimate, not the contact information provided in the text.
Report and eliminate any unwanted texts. Utilize your phone's "report junk" feature to flag these messages within your messaging app, or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). After verifying the message, delete it.
For more information on identifying and avoiding text scams, visit ftc.gov/textscams. You can also report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
For August 2025, we bring text scam alert warnings to make everyone aware how the vulnerable among us can be too trusting at times. If your area has camera speed traps or road tolls using cameras to capture your license plate data, it can lead financial penalties. NEVER trust a text message on your phone. Just when you let down your guard, that's when the Scammers get bold.
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Imposter Scams Target the Unsuspecting
Imposter scammers pose as representatives from the IRS, Social Security, businesses, or charities. Their goal is to gain your trust in order to steal your personal information and money.
Imposter scammers will typically contact you via phone, text, or email, claiming to be someone with authority. They may even have manipulated caller ID to appear as if they are calling from an official government or business number. To commit identity theft, they often attempt to have you send money or gift cards, or divulge personal information. They may even tell you "This is for your protection". which is a scare tactic to coerce your participation. DO NOT BE DECEIVED.
Familiarize yourself with the common types of imposter scams:
Government Imposter Scams - Typically, government agencies will only reach out to you by letter unless you have contacted them first. Any unexpected calls or messages could signify a scam.
IRS Imposter Scams - Scammers might claim you owe taxes to the IRS and could threaten legal ramifications. The threats are meant to frighten into compliance with their demands.
Social Security Imposter Scams - Scammers often assert that there is an issue with your Social Security account or offer to raise your benefits.
Charity Scams - Imposter scammers claim to represent legitimate or fictitious charities, attempting to solicit donations from you.
Tech Support Scams - Scammers alert you that your computer is compromised and seek to remotely access your device in order to steal personal data or request payment.
Additionally, scammers may pose as representatives from your bank or a company you engage with, claiming that you have outstanding debts or that issues exist with your account.
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