With the rise of social media, impersonator scams have become increasingly common.

As a result, it is important for everyone—from the tech-savvy to those just getting online—to be aware of how these Impersonator Scams work and what steps can be taken to protect yourself against them. Let’s go over some of the basics.

What Is an Impersonator Scam?
An impersonator scam is when someone pretends to be someone else to gain access to personal information or money. This type of scam is especially common on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., where people can create multiple accounts with different usernames. The scammer usually creates a fake account that looks like a real person’s profile but with one key difference—the name or photo is slightly different. For example, if your username is “joe_smith,” they might create an account called “joe_sm1th” or “jo3_smith.” The idea here is to make it look like you are talking to someone you know, but it’s an imposter trying to get your personal data or money.

How Can You Protect Yourself?
The best way to protect yourself against impersonator scams is by being aware of what the scammer looks like and how they operate. Be sure to double-check any requests for money or sensitive information before responding, even if it appears that the request comes from someone you know—it could be a scammer who has stolen their identity! Additionally, never give out your personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, unless you are positive that you are dealing with a legitimate person or business. It’s also wise to set up two-factor authentication on any accounts that offer it; this will add an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code sent via text message whenever you log in from a new device.

Impersonator scams can be devastating if they succeed in stealing your personal data or money. It’s important for everyone—regardless of age or tech knowledge—to be aware of this scam so they can spot it quickly and take steps to protect themselves against it. By staying vigilant, you can help ensure that scammers don’t have the opportunity to take advantage of you or others around you. Remember: if something seems too good (or bad) to be true, an imposter probably lurks behind it!