What is an imposter scam?
An imposter scam is when someone contacts you pretending to be someone you trust, such as a government official, a bank employee, a family member, or a friend. They may use fake names, phone numbers, email addresses, or websites to trick you into giving them your money or personal information. They may also use threats, promises, or emotional appeals to pressure you into acting quickly. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), imposter scams are the most common type of fraud reported by consumers in the U.S.
How did Andy Cohen get scammed?
Andy Cohen said that his ordeal started when he lost his bank card and reported it lost. The next day, he received an email that looked like it was from his bank’s fraud alert system. The email asked him to click on a link and sign in to his bank account to verify some suspicious transactions. This is how it all went down from there.
Credit: Getty Images for SiriusXM
The fake email that started it all
Cohen said he clicked on the link and entered his username and password, thinking that the email was legitimate. However, he later realized that the link was fake and that he had given the scammers access to his bank account.
The Apple ID request that gave them access
The scammers then asked him to sign in to his Apple ID, which he said was a red flag. He said he closed the browser and ignored the request, but it was too late. The scammers had already gained control of his phone and his bank account.
Credit: Apple
The text and phone call that confirmed the scam
The next day, he received a text message from what appeared to be his bank, asking him if he was trying to use his card. He replied that it was not him, and then he received a phone call from someone who claimed to be from his bank’s fraud department.
The caller asked him to confirm some recent charges on his account, which he said were accurate because the scammers could see his transactions. The caller then said they would send him some codes to verify his identity and asked him to read them back.
The codes that were actually wire transfers
Cohen said he received three codes, which he later learned were actually wire transfers from two of his accounts to the scammers. He said he thought he was talking to his bank and that the codes were part of the security process.
The call-forwarding trick that blocked the real bank
The discovery of the loss and the report to the police
He said he reported the incident to the NYPD Cyber Security Unit and that the case was still under investigation. He said he wanted to share his experience to warn others.
How can you avoid imposter scams?
Andy Cohen shared some tips on how to avoid imposter scams, based on what he learned from his experience. Here are some of his advice, along with some additional suggestions.
1) Check the email address
If you receive an email that claims to be from your bank, your government, or any other organization, always check the sender’s email address. It may look official, but if you click on it, you may see that it is not from the domain you expect. For example, it may say “Bank of America,” but the email address may be something like “bankofamerica@gmail.com” or “bankofamerica@fraud.com.” Do not click on any links or attachments in the email, and do not reply to it. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or a website that you know is genuine.
2) Avoid the sense of urgency
Many imposter scams rely on creating a sense of urgency or panic in the victim. They may tell you that your account has been hacked, that you owe money to the IRS, that your loved one is in trouble, or that you have won a prize. They may ask you to act quickly and send money, provide personal information, or buy gift cards. Do not let them rush you or pressure you. Take a breath and think twice before you respond. If you are not sure, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a family member, or a financial advisor. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask you to pay them with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
3) Verify the caller’s identity
If you receive a phone call from someone who claims to be from your bank, your government, or any other organization, do not trust them blindly. They may use fake names, phone numbers, or caller ID information to fool you. They may also have some information about you, such as your name, your address, or your account number, to make you think they are real. However, this does not mean they are who they say they are. They may have obtained this information from public sources, data breaches, or previous scams. Do not give them any more information, such as your password, your PIN, your social security number, or your credit card number. Do not agree to any requests, such as sending money, buying gift cards, or entering codes. Instead, hang up and call the organization directly using a phone number that you know is genuine. You can also check the organization’s website for any alerts or warnings about scams.
4) Protect your devices: Have good antivirus software on all your devices
Imposter scammers may try to access your devices, such as your computer, your phone, or your tablet, to steal your information or money. They may send you fake emails, texts, or pop-ups that ask you to click on a link, download a file, or install software.
They may also ask you to sign in to your online accounts, such as your email, your bank, or your Apple ID. Do not fall for these tricks. They may infect your devices with malware, spyware, or ransomware, or they may lock you out of your accounts.
Special for CyberGuy Readers:
5) Use strong and unique passwords
strong passwords
6) Perform regular software updates
MORE: THE ‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ EMAIL SCAM IS TARGETING AMERICANS
I’ve been scammed like Andy. What to do next?
Change your passwords.
Look through bank statements and check account transactions
Use a Fraud protection service
1 million dollars to cover losses and legal fees white glove fraud resolution team where a US-based case manager
Report any breaches
You may wish to get the professional advice of a lawyer
Alert all three major credit bureaus
Run your own background check
Alert your contacts.
Restore your device to factory settings.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Imposter scams are a serious threat that can cost you a lot of money and stress. Andy Cohen learned this the hard way, but he decided to share his story to help others avoid the same mistake. By following his tips and the FTC’s advice, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from imposter scammers. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, or too bad to be true, it probably is. Be smart, be vigilant, and be safe.
How do you think the authorities and the banks should handle imposter scams and help the victims recover their losses? Let us know in the comments below.
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