By: Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist
Scammers trying to rip you off will often impersonate organizations or government agencies you know. Some even pretend to be from the Federal Trade Commission. But how can you know if it’s the FTC or if it’s a scammer impersonating the FTC?
If someone who says they’re from the FTC demands money or threatens you, that’s not the FTC. Only scammers pretending to be the FTC will do that. The latest twist? Scammers are sending fake letters from Sam Levine, the Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, threatening to “shut down” your accounts for “unsanctioned” activity and demanding that you call an “officer” immediately. Don’t do it. Report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Here’s when and how the FTC will communicate with you:
- If you report something to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, you’ll get advice about how to recover and protect yourself. You’ll also get that information by email, if you give us an email address.
- If you’re getting a refund or payment from an FTC case, you’ll get it by check, prepaid debit card, or PayPal. The payment or claim form will tell you more about the case and why you’re getting money. Go to gov/refunds to see a list of FTC cases that resulted in refunds, the name of the company sending payments, and a phone number to call with questions.
Don’t respond to someone who says they’re from the FTC and demands money, threatens you, or asks for personal or financial information.