Imposter Scams: How to Spot Fake IRS, Bank & Family Calls

Imposter scams work because they hijack two of the most reliable human responses: protect family, and obey authority. Both create urgency that bypasses normal skepticism.

• Imposter scams were the #1 most-reported fraud category at the FTC in 2023, with $2.7 billion in reported losses (FTC Consumer Sentinel 2023).
• Family-and-friends imposter losses (including grandparent scams) hit $363 million in 2023, with adults 60+ disproportionately affected (FTC).
• AI voice cloning is now used in family-emergency calls — only a few seconds of public audio are needed to fake a loved one's voice (FBI PSA 2024).

• Caller insists you act in the next few minutes and stay on the line.
• Demand for payment in gift cards, wire, crypto, or cash via courier.
• Caller knows some personal details (name, address) — used to seem legitimate.
• Sworn-to-secrecy framing: 'don't tell anyone, this is a federal investigation.'
• Voice or video that sounds like a relative but feels emotionally off.

• Hang up and call the supposed person or agency back on a number you already know.
• Agree on a family code-word now, to use for any emergency call or message.
• Never pay a 'government agency' or 'bank' in gift cards, crypto, or wire.
• Slow it down — every imposter script depends on speed and secrecy.

• If you sent gift cards: contact the card issuer immediately and request a freeze; some refund partial balances if reported within hours.
• If you sent a wire: call your bank within 24 hours and request a recall.
• Report to the FTC and to your state Attorney General; for grandparent scams also report to AARP.
• If personal info was given, freeze your credit at all three US bureaus.