Report an
impersonation scam.
Impersonation scams are the #1 most reported fraud type in America. Scammers pose as Amazon, Apple, your bank, the IRS, a celebrity, or even your own family member to steal money and information. With AI deepfake technology, these imposters are getting increasingly convincing. If someone contacted you pretending to be someone else, report it here.
Quick impersonation scam report
Document who they pretended to be and how they contacted you. Use the full report builder
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How impersonation scams work — America's #1 reported fraud
Impersonation scams were the number one most-reported fraud type to the FTC in 2023, with over 854,000 complaints and $2.7 billion in losses. The category includes anyone pretending to be someone they're not — from companies like Amazon and Apple to government agencies, celebrities, and even family members. With AI deepfake technology, 39% of scam victims in 2023 reported being targeted by AI-generated voices or videos.
Business impersonation is the most common variant. You receive a call, text, or email that appears to be from Amazon, Apple, Netflix, or your bank warning of suspicious activity on your account. The scammer directs you to call a number or click a link that leads to a fake website. Once you enter your login credentials, they drain your account. Some variants involve tech support where the scammer has you install remote access software, giving them direct control of your computer.
The AI deepfake evolution
AI has dramatically escalated impersonation scams. Scammers can now clone a person's voice from a few seconds of audio pulled from social media. They call family members pretending to be a loved one in distress — "Mom, I've been in an accident, I need bail money." Video deepfakes are used to create fake celebrity endorsements for crypto scams and fake product promotions. Warren Buffett called AI-powered scams the "biggest growth industry of all time."
How to protect yourself
The #1 rule: hang up and call back using the official number. If "Amazon" calls about suspicious activity, hang up and open the Amazon app or website yourself. If "your bank" texts you, call the number on the back of your card. Never call numbers provided in unexpected messages. For family emergency calls, establish a family code word that only your family knows — ask the caller for it. If they can't provide it, it's a scam regardless of how realistic the voice sounds.
Where else to report
File in multiple places to maximize impact:
- →FTC — reportfraud.ftc.gov — the primary agency for impersonation scam reports
- →FBI IC3 — ic3.gov — for AI deepfake scams or losses over $1,000
- →The real company — report the scam to the company being impersonated — they track and warn customers
- →Your phone carrier — report scam phone numbers for potential blocking
Related scam types
Scammers often combine tactics. If this looks familiar, check these too: