Scam library
Impersonation scams
Scammers pretending to be someone you trust — a grandchild, a bank, the government, your boss — and how to verify before you act. There are 7 impersonation guides on Scam Wise.
Impersonation scams are calls, texts and emails from someone claiming to be a relative in trouble, a bank fraud officer, an IRS or police official, a utility, a computer support worker, or your own boss. The guides in this hub deal with the fake emergencies, arrest threats and instant payment demands that come with those stories, and they are written for older adults as well as the family members who help untangle a frightening call. Authority Impersonation Scams, Small Business Impersonation Scams and Government Grant and Loan Scams cover the routine used most often, where a caller invents an official role to create fear or respect and then asks for money in a form you cannot get back.
The habit that helps most is verifying on your own terms. Hang up, look the organisation up yourself, and call back on a number you already have in your records, never the one the caller gave you. AI Voice Cloning & Impersonation Scams explains why a familiar voice is not proof of anything.
Every impersonation guide
AI Voice Cloning & Impersonation Scams
AI voice cloning scams sound like science fiction, but they are very real.
Read: AI Voice Cloning & Impersonation Scams
Employment & Job Scams (Task-Based and Boss Impersonation)
Scams can target us in the workplace or during the job hunt.
Read: Employment & Job Scams (Task-Based and Boss Impersonation)
Small Business Impersonation Scams
Business impersonation scams happen when crooks pretend to be a trusted company or organization to trick you.
Read: Small Business Impersonation Scams
Government Grant and Loan Scams
Hello Scam Wise readers! Ready to talk about “free money” scams? Because that’s what government grant and loan scams promise – and they’re almost always phony.
Read: Government Grant and Loan ScamsStaying Ahead of Impersonation Scams
Impersonation scams are one of the most pervasive threats.
Read: Staying Ahead of Impersonation ScamsAuthority Impersonation Scams
This guide covers scams where criminals impersonate authorities – think IRS agents, police officers, court officials, or tech support from big companies.
Read: Authority Impersonation ScamsThe Taxman & Government Impersonator Scams
Scams that pose as authorities are among the most frightening.
Read: The Taxman & Government Impersonator ScamsGet the scam alerts that matter
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