Imposter Scams: Know the Signs and Protect Yourself

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Here are some tips from Hawaii State FCU to avoid becoming a victim.

Businesses have seen an uptick in imposter scams, in which fraudsters falsify their identities, pretending to be a trusted business to get you to divulge personal information. It’s a widespread and costly issue, with imposter scams making up nearly 16% of all fraud incidents reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2023, and victims reporting losses totaling more than $2.6 billion as a result*. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim: 

• Remember that legitimate businesses will never call, email or text you asking for sensitive information, including account numbers, passwords, one-time verification codes, or SSNs. If you receive suspicious communication, hang up and/or do not reply. 

• If in doubt, contact the business yourself, using phone numbers or emails found on your statements or the company’s official website, to verify unsolicited requests. Don’t use contact information or click on links found the suspicious emails or texts, as those could lead back to the scammers.  

• If you believe you’re the victim of an imposter scam, contact your financial institution, credit companies and the business in question immediately to report it. Also consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement. 

• Visit Hawaii State FCU’s Fraud Alerts page at www.HawaiiStateFCU.com/fraud-alerts for more tips and information. 

*Source: Consumer Sentinel Network 2023 Data Book.