Government and Identity
FBI Impersonation Scam
FBI Impersonation Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.
Example message
FBI Notice: Your identity is under investigation. Keep this confidential.
What it is
FBI Impersonation Scam is a government and identity scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.
How it works
The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “FBI Notice: Your identity is under investigation. Keep this confidential.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.
Red flags
- Threats or official pressure
- Request for SSN or sensitive ID
- Payment by gift card, crypto, or unusual method
- Told not to hang up or tell anyone
What to do
- Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
- Do not share information; contact an official field office number if concerned.
- If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.
If it already happened
- Stop communicating with the sender.
- Do not send more money or codes.
- Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
- Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.
Prevention tips
- Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
- Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
- Do not share information; contact an official field office number if concerned.
- Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.
Related scam guides
Practice safely
Try the matching training scenario
Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.