Seeing is Not Always Believing: The Evolution of Imposter Scams

(This article is contributed by Karen Murillo, Associate State Director of Advocacy)

Seeing should not mean believing now that scammers are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies to impersonate people, agencies, and organizations you know and trust to steal your money and information.

Criminals can disguise a phone number or email address so calls, texts, and other forms of communication look like they’re coming from anyone – from your bank to a neighbor down the street. And now deepfake technology (using AI to manipulate images, videos, and audio recordings) is so advanced that it even lets fraudsters imitate someone during a live video call.

All of these tactics are used in imposter scams – one of the most rampant forms of fraud in 2024. Between January and September alone, Floridians reported around 35,000 imposter scam complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

While scams are constantly evolving, we’re sharing a few of the top types of imposter fraud, as well as some tips on how to spot and stop these scams.

Criminals can pose as government employees or other people in positions of authority, like law enforcement officials. They may threaten you with an arrest, fees, or cancellation of benefits, or they may offer to upgrade or verify your account, card or benefits.

Recently the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted a scammer for posing as a Sarasota County deputy and threatening a Florida woman with an arrest warrant for missing jury duty The scammer, who was a Georgia inmate at the time, used a smuggled cell phone to direct the victim to a nearby Bitcoin ATM, where she deposited over $12,000 as a supposed fine to satisfy the warrant.

Scammers are also using AI to create deepfakes of celebrities for everything from phony product endorsements to romance scams.

Actor Johnny Depp recently warned that fraudsters are posing as him through fake social media and email accounts to scam fans into paying for bogus items like private meetings with the actor, club memberships, and fan cards. Depp says, “Scammers may look and sound just like the real me. But, neither I, nor my team, will ask you for money or your personal information.”

Tech support scams often start with a pop-up warning, email, or text telling you to contact tech support by calling a number or clicking a link. Sometimes fraudsters say your device has been hacked, has a virus, or that your security software has expired, while others are advertising bogus tech support services for a fee.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about a twist on tech support scams where victims are told that their computer has been linked to child pornography – sometimes threatening criminal charges or to make the device user’s information public unless they pay a fee.

• Anyone offering to cancel or withdraw a warrant for your arrest for a fee.
• A security alert on your computer telling you to click a link or call a number.
• The person sending you to a cryptocurrency ATM for payment.
• An unexpected message from a friend or colleague asking you for a favor.
• Someone contacting you to ask you to verify a code.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, report the matter to law enforcement – it’s a crime. Not sure where to start? Call or visit the Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.