Americans are losing billions to government impersonators who claim to be from the FTC, threatening victims with fake charges or promising settlements that don’t exist.
At a Glance
- Criminals posing as FTC officials stole $2.95 billion through imposter scams in 2024, with government impersonation accounting for $789 million in losses
- Scammers use sophisticated AI to disguise their location, voices, and faces, making their fraudulent communications more convincing
- Common FTC impersonation tactics include fake settlement offers, demands for upfront fees, and false account breach notifications
- Seniors are particularly vulnerable targets, suffering significant financial losses
- The real FTC never asks for money transfers, makes threats, or promises prizes
Government Imposters Target Americans’ Wallets
Federal authorities are warning Americans about a growing threat to their financial security: scammers impersonating Federal Trade Commission officials. These criminals contact potential victims through phone calls, emails, or text messages, creating an illusion of legitimacy while attempting to steal sensitive information and money. Using increasingly sophisticated technology, these fraudsters have successfully taken billions from unsuspecting Americans, particularly targeting vulnerable populations like the elderly.
The scope of these scams is staggering. Government imposter scams alone resulted in $789 million in losses according to recent data, with total imposter scams costing Americans nearly $3 billion. Scammers frequently employ artificial intelligence to disguise their true location, create believable voice clones, and even fabricate realistic faces for video calls, making their deceptions increasingly difficult to detect. These technological advances have dramatically improved criminals’ ability to appear legitimate when contacting potential victims.
Common FTC Impersonation Tactics
The most frequent FTC impersonation scams follow several predictable patterns. Scammers may claim you’re eligible for a settlement from a class action lawsuit or government action, promising significant payouts. They might allege your accounts have been compromised or that you’re facing serious legal trouble requiring immediate action. In other variations, they demand upfront fees to process supposed refunds or settlements, creating false urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions without verification.
“We take it seriously when scammers claim that the Chairman of the FTC is on the line to help you get out of a bind or that you’re being charged with serious crimes,” Federal Trade Commission, in a recent blog post.
The Federal Trade Commission has been clear about its communication practices: “No one at the FTC will call, email, or text you to say any of those things.” The agency never makes threatening calls about legal issues, never demands immediate payment through gift cards or wire transfers, and never promises prizes or settlements through unsolicited communications. Any contact claiming to be from the FTC with these characteristics should immediately raise red flags.
Protecting Yourself from Government Imposters
Law enforcement experts recommend several protective measures against government impersonation scams. First, never respond to unsolicited communications claiming to be from government agencies. Instead, independently verify the contact by looking up official phone numbers on government websites and calling directly. Be extremely cautious about sharing personal information, especially Social Security numbers, banking details, or credit card information, regardless of how legitimate the communication seems.
The FBI further advises citizens to “take a beat” when confronted with potential scams. This means pausing before taking action, particularly when communications create a sense of urgency or fear. Legitimate government agencies don’t operate through intimidation or pressing deadlines. If you’ve been victimized, report the incident immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and contact your financial institutions to protect your accounts.
Seniors Face Heightened Risk
Elderly Americans face particular vulnerability to these schemes. According to experts, seniors are often specifically targeted because they typically have more savings, may be less familiar with current technology, and are sometimes more trusting of official-sounding communications. The financial consequences can be devastating, often wiping out retirement funds that took decades to accumulate. Beyond the immediate financial losses, these crimes create lasting emotional trauma for victims.
“Fraud can lead to emotional and health risks and leave elders more reliant on government safety nets than the retirement nest egg they worked hard to build,” says Kathy Stokes.
For those concerned about elderly relatives or neighbors, experts recommend regular conversations about common scams and creating an environment where seniors feel comfortable discussing suspicious communications without embarrassment. Staying informed about current scam techniques and sharing this information can help protect our most vulnerable citizens from devastating financial predators who hide behind government agency names to commit their crimes.