Don't Believe What You're Told: Watch Out for These Three Impersonation Scams

Scammers have become experts at pretending to be someone you trust. Whether it's your bank, a government agency, a family member or a trusted organization, fraudsters are increasingly using technology and psychological tactics to convince consumers to hand over money or personal information.

According to the FTC, consumers reported nearly $15.9 billion in fraud losses in 2025,¹ with impersonation scam losses reaching roughly $3.5 billion.² The good news? Knowing what these scams look like is one of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim.

3 common impersonation scams

The following scenarios highlight the tactics fraudsters use — and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Bank impersonation scams

How it works: Scammers send a call or text that appears to come from your bank, often using a spoofed phone number to look legitimate. Once they have your attention, they claim there is a problem with your account and pressure you to act quickly — by sharing credentials or one-time passcodes or by moving money to a supposedly “safe” account they control.

Typical messages you may hear or read:

• “This is your bank calling.”
• “M&T Bank Fraud Alert: Did you authorize a $1,950 transaction? Reply YES or NO.”
• “Your account has been compromised.”
• “We're detecting fraud on your account.”
• “To protect your money, we need you to move your funds to a secure account immediately.”

Red flags: Unexpected fraud alerts followed by a phone call • Requests for online banking credentials or one-time passcodes • Instructions to transfer money to a “safe” account • Pushes to respond before you can verify.

Protect yourself: Hang up and call your bank using the number on your debit card or the bank’s official website • Never share one-time passcodes • Remember: Banks will never ask you to move money to another account to keep it safe.

2. Government and other agency impersonation scams

How it works: Fraudsters pose as toll authorities, tax agencies, law enforcement or other official organizations and claim you owe money or face consequences. The message often includes a link to a fake payment site or a demand to pay immediately, with the goal of stealing payment information, banking credentials or personal details.

Typical messages you may hear or read:

• “Final Notice: Your toll payment is overdue.”
• “Immediate payment required.”
• “Pay immediately to avoid vehicle registration suspension.”
• “You owe back taxes and must pay now.”
• “Failure to respond may result in legal consequences.”

Red flags: Threats of arrest or prosecution • Claims that payment is required right away • Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency • Unexpected texts containing payment links.

Protect yourself: Never click links in unsolicited texts • Contact the agency directly using publicly available information • Ignore threats demanding payment on the spot • Verify outstanding tolls through your official toll account, not links in text messages.

Remember: Stop, verify, protect

Today's fraudsters are skilled at impersonating trusted organizations and people. Their goal is to create urgency, fear, excitement or emotional distress so consumers are pushed to respond before checking whether the request is real.

Before sending money, sharing information or clicking a link:

STOP and take a breath.

VERIFY using a trusted phone number or website.

PROTECT your personal and financial information.

Taking a few minutes to verify a request can help prevent months — or even years — of financial and emotional stress.

3. Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) voice-cloning and deepfake scams

How it works: Fraudsters use publicly available audio or video clips to create a realistic voice or video that appears to come from someone the victim knows. They pair that familiar-sounding voice with an urgent emergency — such as an arrest, accident or lost phone — and pressure the victim to send money before verifying the story.

Typical messages you may hear or read:

• “Grandma, it’s me. I’ve been in a car accident and was arrested.”
• “Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.”
• “I need bail money right away.”
• “I lost my phone and need money for an emergency.”

Red flags: A familiar-sounding voice making a secretive and unexpected plea for bail, medical or travel money • Payment demands by wire transfer, gift card, crypto or app • Caller discourages you from calling back or verifying with others • Answers that seem vague, scripted or inconsistent when you ask questions.

Protect yourself: Pause before reacting emotionally • Contact the person directly using a known phone number • Create a “safe word” that only relatives know • Be suspicious of any urgent request involving money.

Remember: Scammers want you to react before you think. Independently verify before giving sensitive information or sending/moving money. Legitimate emergencies can withstand a few minutes of verification.

Why do we ask so many questions? When you call M&T, you may be asked questions that seem to go beyond the standard name and address. If it feels frustrating or intrusive, please understand: Criminals call us trying to impersonate legitimate customers, so we’re just seeking to protect your accounts. Your safety is our top priority. Call us at 1-800-724-2440 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Sources:

¹ FTC Testifies before the Joint Economic Committee on Agency’s Efforts to Combat Fraud | Federal Trade Commission, March 25, 2026.

² FTC Data Show People Reported Losing $3.5 Billion to Imposter Scams in 2025 | Federal Trade Commission, June 15, 2026.