Impersonation scam statistics reveal a shocking reality—scammers are getting smarter, and their tricks are costing people millions. Whether they pose as your bank, a government official, or even a loved one, these fraudsters manipulate trust to steal money. The numbers are alarming, and if you think you’re safe, think again!
Bitdefender found that 71% of 18 to 34-year-olds and almost half of 18-24-year-olds surveyed had been contacted by an impersonation scammer, with 73% of those targeted being tricked into sharing private details or sending money.
In this report, I’ve added stats related to impersonation scams and more about how they work. You’ll see how these scams are evolving, who’s being targeted the most, and what steps you can take to stay safe. Let’s dive in and uncover the real impact of impersonation scams in today’s digital world!
VPNRanks’ Exclusive Insights on Impersonation Scam Statistics
VPNRanks has analyzed past data to predict impersonation scam statistics for 2025, revealing how these scams will likely evolve. By identifying trends, VPNRanks provides insights into potential risks and future tactics scammers might use.
- 📈 By 2025, total impersonation scam complaints are projected to reach 66,323, increasing further to 87,373 by 2026.
- 💸 Total losses from impersonation scams are expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2025, rising to $2.27 billion by 2026.
- 🔓 By the end of 2025, total impersonation scam reports are projected to increase, with 10,246 victims losing personal information.
- 📩 By 2025, text messages are expected to remain the most common method for impersonation scams.
Disclaimer: These figures are estimates provided by VPNRanks, based on historical data and current trends analyzed through predictive models. They represent potential future scenarios and should not be considered exact predictions. The actual outcomes may vary depending on various factors, including new interventions and changes in online behavior.
What is an Impersonation Scam?
An impersonation scam is a deceptive tactic where fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank official, government representative, or even a loved one. They aim to trick you into sharing personal details, sending money, or clicking on malicious links.
These scams have become more sophisticated, using AI-generated voices, fake emails, and deepfake videos to appear convincing. With billions lost each year, staying informed about impersonation scams is crucial to protecting yourself from falling victim.
How Impersonation Scams Have Changed Over Time
While impersonation scams aren’t new, scammers have shifted their tactics in recent years. Comparing 2020 to 2023, reports show a sharp decline in phone call scams but a significant increase in text and email-based scams.
At the same time, financial losses have surged, with victims losing more money through bank transfers and cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, scammers now frequently impersonate multiple organizations in a single scam—like a fake Amazon representative transferring victims to a fake bank or even a fake FBI agent for help.”
| Year | Phone Call Reports (in K) | Email Reports (in K) | Text Reports (in K) | Other Methods Reports (in K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 202 | 32 | 27 | 10 |
| 2023 | 148 | 65 | 120 | 14 |
Source: FTC
What Are the Common Types of Impersonation Scams?
Scammers use various impersonation tactics to trick people into giving away personal details or money. These scams often appear urgent or official, making victims act quickly without verifying the sender.
1. Copycat Account Security Alerts
Topping the list are messages about supposed suspicious activity or unauthorized charges on your account. You might get an alert claiming someone ordered a big-ticket item from Amazon or that your bank needs you to verify a transaction.
The scammer pretends to help, but their real goal is to steal your money, often by making you transfer funds or use a Bitcoin ATM to protect” it.
2. Phony Subscription Renewals
These scams look like routine emails about an auto-renewal for an account you never opened. Often, they claim to be from Geek Squad or a similar service, demanding hundreds of dollars.
If you call, the scammer asks to connect to your computer to process a refund but instead manipulates your bank account balance and tricks you into paying them back with gift cards.
3. Fake Giveaways, Discounts, or Money to Claim
A message promising a giveaway, discount, or sweepstakes winnings may look like it’s from a trusted company or even the government. These scams lure you into paying upfront fees or sharing personal details to claim” the prize. If you’re asked to buy gift cards or send money, it’s a clear red flag—real giveaways never require payment.
VPNRanks report highlights that consumer incidents of gift card scams are expected to reach 40% by 2025, emphasizing how scammers continue to exploit fake rewards and urgency tactics to steal money from unsuspecting victims.
4. Bogus Problems with the Law
Scammers posing as government agents claim your identity was used for a crime, like money laundering or drug smuggling. To fix” the issue, they instruct you to transfer money or buy gift cards to protect your funds. Many victims reported being told to use Bitcoin ATMs labeled as ‘safety lockers’, but the truth is, once the money is sent, it’s gone.
VPNRanks predicts that Bitcoin ATM scam losses could rise to $193 million in the USA by 2025, driven by the growing number of ATMs and the increasing exploitation of seniors, who are often targeted in these deceptive schemes.
5. Made-Up Package Delivery Problems
You might receive a fake delivery notice from UPS, FedEx, or the U.S. Postal Service, claiming there’s a problem with a shipment. The scam includes a fake link leading to a phishing website, asking for bank details or a small redelivery fee.” But once you enter your card info, scammers quickly start making fraudulent charges in your name.
Impersonation Scams: A Growing Threat with Rising Reported Cases
📈By 2025, total impersonation scam complaints are projected to reach 66,323, increasing further to 87,373 by 2026. The rise is driven by advanced AI scams, deepfake technology, and automated phishing attacks, making fraudsters more convincing than ever.
The number of reported impersonation scams has surged in recent years, with scammers adopting new tactics to deceive victims. From fake business representatives to government imposters, these frauds have led to massive financial losses worldwide.
Data Analysis
The data presented here is sourced from the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) report, highlighting the alarming rise in impersonation scams. These scams continue to evolve, causing substantial financial losses for victims.
Impersonation scams defraud thousands of individuals each year. Two major fraud categories reported to IC3—Tech/Customer Support and Government Impersonation—account for losses exceeding $1.3 billion.
| Scam Type | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Government Impersonation | 14,190 |
| Tech and Customer Support | 37,560 |
| Total | 51,750 |
VPNRanks Future Forecast
Based on current trends, impersonation scam complaints are expected to rise significantly by 2025 and 2026, highlighting the growing threat of online fraud.
Prediction for 2025:
- Government Impersonation Complaints: 23,129
- Tech & Customer Support Complaints: 43,194
Predictions for 2026:
- Government Impersonation Complaints: 37,700
- Tech & Customer Support Complaints: 49,673
These predictions are based on compound growth formulas, applying a 63% increase for government impersonation scams and a 15% increase for tech/customer support scams per reporting period.
The Rising Financial Impact of Impersonation Scams
💸VPNRanks analysis shows that the total losses from impersonation scams are expected to reach $1.7 billion in 2025, increasing further to $2.27 billion by 2026. This surge is driven by AI-enhanced fraud, deepfake impersonations, and growing reliance on digital transactions, making scams harder to detect.
Impersonation scams have led to staggering financial losses, with victims losing billions each year. As scammers refine their tactics, losses continue to surge, making it crucial to stay informed and protected.
Data Analysis
The following data is sourced from the IC3 (Internet Crime Complaint Center) report, which highlights the massive financial losses caused by impersonation scams. These scams have resulted in losses exceeding $1.3 billion, impacting thousands of victims.
| Scam Type | Losses ($) |
|---|---|
| Government Impersonation | $394.05 million |
| Tech and Customer Support | $924.51 million |
| Total | $1.32 billion |
VPNRanks Future Forecast
Impersonation scam losses are projected to surpass $1 billion in government impersonation alone by 2026, emphasizing the growing financial impact of these scams.
Prediction for 2025:
- Government Impersonation Losses: $642.3 million
- Tech & Customer Support Losses: $1.06 billion
Prediction for 2026:
- Government Impersonation Losses: $1.05 billion
- Tech & Customer Support Losses: $1.22 billion
The predictions are based on compound growth formulas, applying a 63% increase for government impersonation losses and a 15% increase for tech/customer support losses per reporting period.
Impersonation Scams and Identity Theft: A Dangerous Connection
🔓By the end of 2025, total impersonation scam reports are projected to increase, with 10,246 victims losing personal information, increasing risks of identity theft and financial fraud.
Impersonation scams don’t just steal money—they expose personal information, leading to identity theft and long-term risks. With scammers using sophisticated tactics, stolen data can be misused for fraudulent activities, making protection more critical than ever.
Data Analysis
The data from the National Anti-Scam Center report highlights the alarming rate of personal information theft due to impersonation scams. Stolen data can lead to long-term misuse, fraud, and financial damage for victims.
- 16.5% of all impersonation scams reported loss of personal information.
- Stolen data can be misused for identity theft, fraudulent transactions, and phishing attacks.
- Victims face long-term risks, including unauthorized loans, hacked accounts, and reputational damage.
VPNRanks Future Forecast
By the end of 2025, impersonation scams are expected to reach over 62,000 cases, with more than 10,000 victims losing personal information, increasing risks of identity theft and financial fraud.
- Total Impersonation Scam Reports: 62,100
- Personal Information Loss Cases: 10,246
Total impersonation scam reports for 2025 were estimated using a 20% growth rate and Personal information loss cases were calculated as 16.5% of the projected total scams.
Most Common Contact Methods Used in Impersonation Scams
📩VPNRanks predicts that by 2025, text messages are expected to remain the most common method for impersonation scams, as scammers increasingly exploit digital communication to deceive victims.
Scammers use various contact methods to deceive victims, but some tactics are more common than others. With the rise of digital communication, text messages, and emails have overtaken phone calls as the most frequently used methods in impersonation scams.
Data Analysis
The data from the National Anti-Scam Center report reveals that text messages are the leading contact method for impersonation scams, followed by phone calls and internet-based scams. As fraud tactics evolve, scammers are increasingly using digital communication to target victims.
| Contact Method | Number of Reports |
|---|---|
| Text Message | 49,572 |
| Phone | 10,565 |
| Internet | 2,904 |
VPNRanks Future Forecast
By the end of 2025, text messages are expected to remain the most common method used in impersonation scams, with scammers increasingly relying on digital communication to deceive victims. Phone calls and internet-based scams will continue but at a lower scale.
With the rise of automated scam campaigns and AI-driven phishing, text messaging remains the easiest and most scalable way for fraudsters to target a large number of people quickly.
How to Spot an Impersonation Scam
Scammers are masters of disguise, using urgent messages and fake websites to trick people into revealing sensitive information. Knowing the red flags can help you identify scams before falling victim.
- Unsolicited Communication with Urgent Requests: If you receive a random call, email, or text pushing you to act immediately, be cautious. Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making hasty decisions.
- Fake Links Disguised as Official Websites: Scam emails or texts often contain links to lookalike websites that mimic real organizations. These sites may appear genuine, but their web addresses are slightly altered, making them fraudulent traps.
- Suspicious Email Addresses: Before clicking or responding, check the sender’s email address carefully. Impersonators often use minor variations of legitimate emails, such as extra characters or unusual domains, to deceive recipients.
- Alarming Alerts About Compromised Accounts: Be wary of messages claiming your bank account is at risk and urging you to take immediate action. Scammers exploit fear to trick you into sharing sensitive information or making unauthorized transfers.
- Messages from Unconventional Platforms: Financial institutions rarely communicate via WhatsApp or messaging apps. If you receive a financial-related alert on such platforms, it’s likely a scam designed to steal your details.
How to Stay Safe from Impersonation Scams?
Even if you know the risks of sharing personal information, scammers are skilled at creating convincing and high-pressure situations where anyone can slip up. That’s why having the right tools and awareness can make all the difference in protecting yourself.
- Scam Alert Feature (Mobile Security for Android/iOS): Detects dangerous links from SMS, messaging apps, and notifications, warning you before you open them.
- Digital Identity Protection: Monitors both the surface and dark web for leaked passwords, emails, physical addresses, or card details.
- Real-Time Alerts: Keeps you updated with new breaches and provides personalized guidance on securing your data.
- Data Management Support: Helps with discovering, retrieving, and deleting personal information from old accounts to minimize exposure.
Expert Opinions on Impersonation Scam Statistics and Their Impact
In this section, I have included expert opinions on impersonation scam statistics, providing insights into how these scams are evolving. Experts analyze the rising trends, financial impact, and future risks, helping readers understand the growing threat.
1. Andrey Londra
According to Andrey Londra, brand impersonation scams are a rising concern, particularly in the construction industry, where fraudsters exploit the trust and reputation of established firms.
These scams go beyond traditional phishing by mimicking well-known brands and luring victims with fake business opportunities. By the time businesses realize they’ve been deceived, the scammers have vanished, leaving behind financial losses and reputational damage.
Londra highlights that these scams are highly effective because they align with normal industry practices, such as prepayments for bids and licensing fees. Additionally, victims are often unaware they are dealing with fraudsters until it’s too late.
To combat this, companies must adopt proactive brand monitoring, legal enforcement against fraudulent domains, and increased cybersecurity awareness. Without these measures, businesses risk severe financial, reputational, and legal consequences in an era where impersonation fraud is becoming more sophisticated.
2. Zaara Qadri
Zaara Qadri highlights that impersonation scams have evolved beyond businesses and financial fraud—they now exploit public admiration by impersonating celebrities, business tycoons, and even royalty.
Scammers use fake social media profiles, emails, and phone calls to gain victims’ trust by offering business deals, investment opportunities, or even personal relationships.
Qadri emphasizes the importance of verifying identities, recognizing red flags, and staying informed to combat these scams. She also highlights the role of cybersecurity professionals in raising awareness, strengthening authentication processes, and monitoring threats.
Collaboration within the cybersecurity community is key to staying ahead of these ever-evolving scams, ensuring that individuals and organizations remain protected in an increasingly digital and deceptive world.
3. Greg Collier
According to Greg Collier, scams are not a measure of intelligence but rather carefully crafted manipulations that exploit trust, vulnerability, and sometimes loneliness.
A heartbreaking case in Marysville, Washington, involved a 73-year-old woman who was tricked by a scammer impersonating a well-known cable news anchor. The fraudster fabricated a relationship, persuading her to send tens of thousands of dollars under the guise of helping a pet and maintaining their connection, leaving both financial and emotional devastation.
Collier emphasizes that scammers target emotions rather than logic, making them particularly dangerous for seniors who may experience isolation. The Marysville case also dispels the stereotype that only naive individuals fall for scams—even highly intelligent people can be deceived.
He urges open conversations within families, proactive financial safety discussions, and increased awareness and education to protect vulnerable populations. Scams don’t just take money; they leave lasting emotional scars, making vigilance and support more critical than ever.
Methodology Used by VPNRanks for Predicting Impersonation Scam Statistics
At VPNRanks, we use a data-driven approach to forecast impersonation scam statistics, ensuring accurate and insightful predictions. By analyzing historical trends, expert opinions, and scam evolution patterns, we provide a realistic projection of future scam trends and financial losses.
- Historical Data Analysis: We examine past impersonation scam reports and financial loss figures from reputable sources such as IC3 and the National Anti-Scam Center. By identifying growth patterns over the years, we estimate how these scams are likely to evolve.
- Growth Rate Application: Based on previous trends, we apply growth rates specific to each scam category. For example, government impersonation scams have shown a 63% increase, while tech/customer support scams have grown by 15%. These rates help project future cases and losses.
- Personal Information Loss Impact: We factor in how many reported scams lead to personal data theft. Since 16.5% of all impersonation scams result in data exposure, we apply this percentage to our projections to estimate future cases of identity theft risks.
- Expert Opinions for Validation: Insights from cybersecurity experts strengthen our methodology. Their analyses help us understand evolving scam tactics, AI-driven fraud, and emotional manipulation, refining our predictions.
- Comparative Forecasting: We compare impersonation scam trends with other cyber fraud types to validate our estimates. By analyzing how related fraud methods (such as phishing or deepfake scams) are increasing, we ensure our predictions align with broader cybercrime patterns.
By combining data science, expert insights, and industry trends, VPNRanks’ methodology ensures future impersonation scam statistics are both accurate and actionable, helping individuals stay protected.
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FAQs
What percentage of people are scammed?
More than 68% of Americans have experienced a financial scam or fraud in their lifetime, while 34% have been targeted in the past year. This means over 1 in 3 people face scams annually, risking personal and financial data exposure.
What is the most impersonated company?
In 2023, Best Buy was the most impersonated brand, according to the FTC report. Scammers also frequently impersonated Amazon and PayPal, tricking victims into sharing personal and financial information.
What is the FTC rule on impersonation?
The FTC rule on impersonation prohibits the impersonation of government agencies, businesses, and their officials or agents in interstate commerce. This regulation aims to combat fraudulent schemes and protect consumers from identity-based scams.
Conclusion
Impersonation scams continue to evolve and expand, using sophisticated tactics to exploit trust and deceive victims. With financial losses and personal data breaches on the rise, staying informed is the first step toward protection.
Predictions indicate that these scams will only grow in scale, with fraudsters leveraging AI, deepfakes, and advanced phishing to enhance their deception. As digital communication becomes more prevalent, the risks of impersonation fraud increase for individuals and businesses alike.
By 2025, total impersonation scam complaints are projected to reach 66,323, rising to 87,373 by 2026, with text messages remaining the most common method for these scams. As impersonation scam statistics show an alarming upward trend, awareness, cybersecurity measures, and expert insights are more crucial than ever to combat this growing threat.
