The Many Faces of Imposter Scams Have Become a Big Problem

There are various scams that prey on good people, such as romance and investment schemes. Today, the many faces of imposter scams have become a significant problem. An imposter scam, by definition, occurs when a fraudster begins a dialogue with the potential victim (by phone call, email, text, or social media) while pretending to be from a trusted organization.

Because the scammer claims to represent the target’s bank, credit card company, or law enforcement agency, they usually gain the target’s attention. And often (and sadly), they can steal money or precious personal information from their victims.

Statistics show there is a significant problem for all age groups.

Normally, you’d think criminals would focus their imposter scam efforts on the elderly, but that isn’t the case.

• Nearly one-third of all scams were imposter scams a few years ago, and that trend is likely to continue.
• A report says that 73% of adults between 18 and 34 have reported being targeted by an imposter scam.
  Of that group, an incredible 70% claimed they had given the scammer money or information.

Also, just as there are different types of scams, there is an array of imposter scams. That is how they can target any age group or demographic using an imposter scam suited to a frame of mind, lifestyle, or tendencies.

The many faces and emotions of imposter scams.

Let’s examine the fears, concerns, and worries that a scammer knows any person may have at any one time. You’ll see how the imposters match their scheme to those powerful human emotions

Fear of financial loss due to fraud makes us vulnerable to a bank imposter.

Everyone wants to save money and keep what they have safe. So, when a person receives a call from their bank informing them that their account has been breached and they’re losing money, the emotional reaction is quick and decisive:

“Help me. I don’t want to lose money.”

Fear of a problem with a government agency makes people vulnerable to an IRS imposter.

Some people despise paying taxes and hate the IRS. Others may not love paying taxes but fear getting behind or owing anything. In either case, if they received a threatening message from the IRS saying there was a problem and they might even be arrested, they’d listen carefully and want to get out of trouble.

Fear of their home computer being hacked makes people vulnerable to a hi-tech imposter.

Most people know little about how computers, networks, and applications work. However, they’ve heard about computer viruses and are afraid of getting one. If they receive a pop-up message on their PC saying they have a virus, they’ll want to fix it quickly and stop a criminal from taking over their computer. An offer of help will be welcome news.

Being desperate for love and attention makes people vulnerable to a romantic imposter. 

Love and one-on-one attention are basic human needs and desires. For those who are alone or have never had the love of their life, attention from a new admirer—even a stranger online—can fill that need for companionship.

Being worried about the welfare of their family makes people vulnerable to a grandchild imposter.

We’ve all heard about a mother’s instinct to protect her children. The same goes for grandparents and grandkids. When a grandparent gets a call from a grandchild who sounds desperate and says they’re in trouble and need money, they won’t hesitate to help.

Worrying about having their services shut off makes people vulnerable to a utility company imposter.  

There are some people we automatically trust because of their title or position. So, when someone from the power, cable, or water department tells you your service will be shut down if you don’t pay past-due fines, you’ll give them your attention and money to make things right.

A compassion for others makes people vulnerable toa charity organization imposter.

One of the most admirable qualities is compassion for others and doing something to show that you care. Charitable organizations depend on public support to help the disadvantaged or victims of disasters. When a representative from a charity contacts you directly, it makes it easier to give and feel good about making a difference.

How can you learn to spot an imposter scam?

Cybersecurity professionals advise us that we should not automatically believe anyone who contacts us with distressing news. Safety experts also say you should hear any bad news or disturbing messages with a healthy dose of skepticism. We cannot afford to believe anyone’s message at face value without taking steps to ensure the truth.

Hopefully, you fully realize that all scammers are heartless and always looking for their next victim. An imposter scammer is the worst type of manipulator because they take advantage of our trusting nature and turn it into an opportunity to steal our money, identity, and trust in human beings.

Learn more about scams and staying safe.

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