Don’t let impersonation scams take what’s yours

Discover how impersonation scams operate and how you can keep your funds safe.

Impersonation scams in more detail

What is an impersonation scam?

An impersonation scam is when someone pretends to be a trusted source to persuade you into sharing money or sensitive information. They may impersonate a government body, bank, or delivery company. There have even been cases where scammers have pretended to be close friends or family members.

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    How they start

    Usually, you’ll be contacted by someone who appears to be from a trusted organisation or person, such as a bank, police officer, or even a close friend.

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    How they contact you

    These scams often begin with a phone call, text, message, or email. They may also communicate through social media by sending messages or creating posts.

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    How they get your funds

    Scammers often create urgency, offer fake investments, or claim your account is at risk. They may ask you to send cryptocurrency to a ‘safe’ wallet or pay to secure a fabricated transaction.

How to identify an impersonation scam

Asking for money or security information

Trusted organisations like the police or your bank will never ask you to transfer money or share sensitive information. If a message feels unusual or unexpected, verify it with the organisation first.

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Pressure tactics

Scammers will often try to pressure you to act immediately. Messages may include a ‘hook’ to get your attention. For example, they may say your money is at risk, and you need to act quickly to save it.

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Spelling mistakes

Legitimate organisations don’t usually have poor grammar and spelling mistakes in their comms. Also, be wary of communications that generally look unusual and have suspicious links.

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Falling victim to fraud can be overwhelming and distressing. You deserve expert guidance and support every step of the way. That’s what we’re here for.  

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Frequently asked questions

  • How to spot impersonation scams

    Impersonation scams share signs with many other types of investment fraud. One of the biggest signs of an impersonation scam is the sense of urgency in which the scammer has you believe that they need the money. If they are impersonating someone you know, or have dealt with recently, then you may be able to pick up on signs that they are not who they appear to be.

    Another sign is that they will often try to rush or panic you, scaring you into sending the money – it could be that they are in trouble and need money to get out of a difficult situation, or are threatening to suspend a service if you don’t pay.

    In some cases with impersonation fraud and scams, the fraudster can be impersonating someone you know, such as a friend or family member. There are two things you should look for if this is the case. Firstly, are they calling from an unknown number or have you received a message from a different number? If the impersonation scammer is calling/messaging from a number you don’t know, call the person it should be. If your friend or family member says it isn’t them, then you know it is an impersonation scam.

  • What to do when you have spotted an impersonation scam

    If you spot an impersonation scam before you end up parting with money, it’s still important that you report the case. It is important that you report this instance to the National Cyber Security Centre as they can take further action. It is also important to make the real person or organisation aware that there is an impersonation scammer pretending to be them. That way, they can make necessary changes to their personal security measures.

  • How do I report an impersonating website? 

    If you come across a website that is imitating another legitimate site to steal personal information, you can report it. Google Safe Browsing allows users to flag suspicious pages. Simply complete the form provided by Google to report the site. When you submit a report, some of your account and system details will be shared with Google for investigation.

  • What laws do social media platforms need to align with for impersonation? 

    In the UK, impersonating someone with the intent to fraudulently obtain money, goods, or services is a criminal offence under the Fraud Act 2006 (FA 2006). Social media platforms are required to remove content that violates these laws when reported and to cooperate with law enforcement investigations.

  • Is catfishing the same as impersonation? 

    Not exactly. Catfishing involves creating a fake online persona, often on social media or dating platforms, to deceive someone. This is typically done to build a fake romantic relationship or commit financial fraud. While catfishing can involve elements of impersonation, it usually focuses on fabricating a new identity rather than pretending to be a real person or organisation.

  • What’s the difference between online impersonation and identity theft? 

    Online impersonation involves pretending to be another person or organisation to deceive someone, often for financial gain or to gather sensitive information. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information—such as your National Insurance number or bank details—to impersonate you in financial transactions or other activities. While both involve deception, identity theft typically requires the theft of private details, whereas online impersonation can occur without direct access to your personal information.