Impersonation scams: not what they used to be

Slow down — and stop a scam before it starts. Before you click, call back, or give out any information, take a moment. Scammers rely on urgency to catch you off guard. That’s why one of the best ways to protect yourself is to pause and check it out first. This short article is designed to help you do just that — slow down, get informed, and spot the warning signs before it's too late.

Impersonation scams are not what they used to be, in fact they've evolved.

Scams that impersonate well-known businesses or government agencies are among the most common types of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While scam tactics are not necessarily new, how these fraudsters operate has evolved.

Where scams once started with a phone call, now they're more likely to come through a text or email — and they’re getting more sophisticated.

Here are five of the most common impersonation scams happening today:

1. Copycat Impersonators
These fake account security alerts often claim there’s suspicious activity or an unauthorized charge — typically on your Amazon (click for guidance provided by Amazon), credit card, or bank account. The message may include a phone number to call or text for “help,” but the real goal is to steal your money. Fraudsters may even call you directly, posing as your bank’s “Fraud Department” and ask for your personal information or One-Time Passcode. They’ll then use that access to move your money, often by directing you to transfer funds, load a Bitcoin ATM, or authorize transactions under false pretenses.

2. Tech Support & Phony Subscription Renewals
You might get an email claiming a subscription you never signed up for (like Geek Squad) is about to auto-renew for hundreds of dollars. When you call to dispute it, the scammer says they need to connect to your computer to process a “refund.” Once in, they pretend to refund too much money and ask you to return the difference — often via gift cards. Giving them access to your device can also expose critical personal information.

3. Fake Sweepstakes & Giveaways
A message may claim you’ve won a prize or been selected for a discount from a company you know — an internet provider, retailer, or sweepstakes like Publishers Clearing House. But to “claim” your prize, they say you need to pay taxes or fees upfront. This always ends in the same way: they get your money, and you get nothing.

4. Government or Law Enforcement Scams
These scams involve threats tied to your identity — claims of criminal activity, tax issues, or even that a loved one is in jail or injured. Scammers pretend to be government agents or police, then urge you to “protect” your money by moving it, buying gift cards, or using Bitcoin ATMs (which they sometimes call “safety lockers”). Every part of the story is a lie, and every dollar you send is stolen.

5. Delivery Service Scams
You might get a message that looks like it's from the USPS (click here to view USPS specific safety tips), FedEx (click here to view FedEx specific safety tips), or UPS (click here to view UPS specific tips), saying there's an issue with your delivery. The link takes you to a fake site that may ask for your bank information or a small “re-delivery fee.” If you enter payment details, scammers can quickly run up fraudulent charges.

So how can you spot and avoid scams?

• Never give out your personal information or One-Time Code.
  Bankwell will never ask you for this information when contacting you.
• Don’t click on unexpected links or respond to unsolicited messages.
  If something seems off, go directly to the company’s real website or call a known phone number — not one provided in the message.
• Gift cards, Bitcoin ATMs, and wire transfers are always a red flag.
  Legitimate companies and government agencies will never ask you to pay this way.
• Slow down.
  Scammers want to rush you into action. Take a moment, talk to someone you trust, and verify before doing anything.

Want to learn more?

Visit ftc.gov/scams to explore more resources on how to spot scams and recover lost funds. If you think you’ve been targeted or scammed, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Think you’ve been scammed?

If questionable transactions occur regarding your Bankwell account(s), please contact client services at www.mybankwell.com by clicking, "let's talk." 

If the scam involves other service providers or financial firms, please contact them directly and consider reporting the event to www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.