the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, April 2025 marks one year since the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) implemented its Impersonation Rule—a powerful new tool in the fight against one of the most damaging types of fraud in the U.S.
What Are Impersonation Scams?
Impersonation scams happen when fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust in order to steal your personal information or money. These scammers often pose as:
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Government agencies claiming you owe a fee or fine
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Banks warning of suspicious activity on your account
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Loved ones, such as a grandchild in trouble, requesting urgent help
In 2024 alone, Americans lost nearly $3 billion to impersonation scams, making it the most reported fraud type to the FTC for yet another year.
What the FTC’s Impersonation Rule Does
The Impersonation Rule, enacted in April 2024, gives the FTC stronger enforcement powers against scammers pretending to be trusted entities. Since the rule took effect, the FTC has:
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Filed multiple lawsuits against alleged scammers
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Shut down over a dozen fake websites impersonating the FTC
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Increased public awareness through consumer education campaigns
How to Protect Yourself from Impersonation Scams
To avoid falling victim to impersonators, follow these essential tips:
1. Don’t share personal information or money with unexpected contacts.
If someone reaches out claiming to be from a business, agency, or even a loved one, verify first. Look up the official contact info yourself—don’t rely on caller ID or message details.
2. Be cautious of caller ID.
Scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it look like they’re calling from a legitimate organization. Just because it says “IRS” or “Bank of America” doesn’t mean it’s real.
3. Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages.
Emails, texts, or social media messages may appear to be from reputable companies or agencies, but they could be phishing attempts designed to steal your data.
Stay Safe and Informed
As impersonation scams grow more sophisticated, awareness and caution are your best defenses. The FTC continues to work aggressively to protect consumers—but staying alert is key.
📌 Tip: Report impersonation scams directly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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