{"id":232692,"date":"2026-07-02T05:00:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T12:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=232692"},"modified":"2026-07-01T11:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:01:37","slug":"imposter-scams-most-common-types-data-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/security-news\/imposter-scams-most-common-types-data-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Imposter Scams Are Evolving. Here Are the 10 Identities Scammers Pretend to Be Most."},"content":{"rendered":"

Imposter\u00a0scams\u00a0remain\u00a0the most reported type of fraud in America for the fifth year in a row,\u00a0<\/span>according to new data from the Federal Trade Commission<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(FTC).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Americans\u00a0submitted\u00a0more than\u00a0<\/span>1\u00a0million\u00a0reports of imposter\u00a0scams\u00a0in 2025<\/span><\/b>, making them the agency’s top fraud category once again. Victims reported\u00a0<\/span>more than $3.5 billion\u00a0in losses<\/span><\/b>, though the real number is\u00a0likely much\u00a0higher since many\u00a0scams\u00a0go unreported.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But “imposter scam” is a broad category. It\u00a0doesn’t\u00a0tell you what these\u00a0scams\u00a0actually look\u00a0like when they land in your inbox, texts, social media DMs, or phone calls.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To better understand what consumers are\u00a0encountering\u00a0every day,\u00a0<\/span>McAfee surveyed more than 7,500 people for its\u00a0<\/span><\/b>State of the Scamiverse<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0report<\/span><\/b><\/a>. The results show scammers\u00a0aren’t\u00a0just pretending to be one type of person or company.\u00a0They’re\u00a0impersonating the brands, services, and people we trust most.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This week\u2019s edition of This Week in Scams is here ahead of the holiday weekend with\u00a0<\/span>the\u00a010 most common\u00a0identities scammers pretend to be.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Someone Who “Texted the Wrong Number” (20%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0An innocent conversation that turns into something more.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These\u00a0scams\u00a0often begin with a harmless message intended for “someone else.” Once you reply, the scammer slowly builds trust over days or even weeks before introducing investment opportunities, romance, or requests for money.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike traditional phishing, these\u00a0scams\u00a0don’t\u00a0always include suspicious links.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0They feel like genuine human conversations rather than obvious\u00a0scams.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about wrong number and pig-butchering scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Technology Companies (21%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Your device has been compromised.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These messages impersonate technology companies or cybersecurity brands, claiming your computer or phone has been infected or involved in a security breach.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some direct victims to fake technical support, while others encourage downloads of malicious software.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Security alerts are designed to grab attention, and convincing impersonation can make fake warnings look legitimate.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about tech support scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Banks and Financial Institutions (21%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bank impersonation\u00a0scams\u00a0create immediate urgency, asking customers to confirm transactions, secure their accounts, or verify their identity.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many direct victims to fake websites or connect them with fraudulent customer support representatives.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Financial security messages naturally demand attention, making people more likely to react before verifying the sender.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about banking scams and financial fraud.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a07. <\/span>Subscription Services (21%)<\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Your payment couldn’t be processed.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scammers impersonate streaming services, software subscriptions, and other recurring services, warning that your account will be\u00a0canceled\u00a0unless you update your payment information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Consumers are used to recurring billing notifications, making these messages blend into everyday digital life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about mobile payment and subscription scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Auto Warranty Providers (22%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Your vehicle warranty is about to expire.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the oldest impersonation\u00a0scams\u00a0is still one of the most common. Fraudsters claim your warranty is ending and pressure you to\u00a0purchase\u00a0coverage\u00a0immediately\u00a0or provide personal information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Many people\u00a0aren’t\u00a0sure when their warranty expires, making the claim difficult to verify on the spot.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about these types of robocallers.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Rewards Programs and Survey Companies (22%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“You’ve won a prize.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These\u00a0scams\u00a0promise gift cards, rewards, or exclusive offers but require you to “verify” your identity or enter payment information to claim them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0The promise of something free lowers\u00a0skepticism, especially when the message appears to come from a familiar brand.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about survey and prize scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Retailers and Merchants (26%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Fake invoices for\u00a0purchases\u00a0you never made.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Receiving an invoice for an expensive purchase can trigger panic. Scammers count on victims clicking quickly to dispute the charge, often leading them to malicious websites or fake customer support numbers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Consumers naturally want to stop fraudulent purchases as quickly as possible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about shopping scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Payment Services (27%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Verify your PayPal account.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Messages claiming\u00a0there’s\u00a0a problem with your payment account often direct you to fake login pages designed to steal your username, password, or financial information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While PayPal is one common example, scammers impersonate many digital payment platforms.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Payment notifications are common, and many consumers\u00a0don’t\u00a0think twice before signing in to resolve\u00a0what appears to be a\u00a0routine issue.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about mobile payment scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Social Media Platforms (27%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Verify your account or it will be suspended.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scammers\u00a0frequently\u00a0impersonate platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X, claiming there’s unusual activity or that your account violates community guidelines.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The goal is usually to steal your login credentials or two-factor authentication codes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Many people rely on social media for work, business, or staying connected, making the threat of losing access feel urgent.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about social media scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Delivery Companies (31%)<\/span><\/h3>\n

Common\u00a0scam:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0“Your package couldn’t be delivered.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether\u00a0you’re\u00a0waiting for a birthday gift, an online order, or an important package, fake delivery notifications prey on the fact that most people are expecting something to arrive.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These messages often claim\u00a0there’s\u00a0a shipping issue, unpaid delivery fee, or missed package and urge you to click a link\u00a0immediately.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why it works:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Package updates have become part of daily life, making fake notifications feel routine rather than suspicious.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn more about delivery scams.<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Common Thread<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

While these\u00a0scams\u00a0may look different, they all rely on the same tactic: impersonation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“AI has lowered the barrier for creating convincing impersonation scams,” said Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research at McAfee.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Scammers can now produce professional-looking emails, realistic websites, and even convincing voices or videos at scale. The result isn’t necessarily more scam\u00a0types,\u00a0it’s far more believable versions of the scams people already encounter every day.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That mirrors a broader trend McAfee\u00a0identified\u00a0in its\u00a0<\/span>State of the Scamiverse<\/span><\/i><\/a>\u00a0research:\u00a0scams\u00a0are becoming more realistic, more personalized, and harder to distinguish from legitimate communications.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Americans now receive an average of\u00a0<\/span>14\u00a0scam\u00a0messages every day<\/span><\/b>, spend\u00a0<\/span>114 hours each year<\/span><\/b>\u00a0deciding\u00a0what’s\u00a0real and\u00a0what’s\u00a0fake, and one in three say they feel\u00a0<\/span>less confident spotting\u00a0scams\u00a0than they did a year ago.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Protect Yourself\u00a0From\u00a0Impersonation Scams<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If you notice this…<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\u2705 Do this instead<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A message creates a sense of urgency<\/span><\/b>\u00a0(“Your account will be suspended,” “Package delivery failed,” “Fraud detected”)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nPause before acting. Scammers want you to make a quick decision before verifying the message.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You’re\u00a0asked to click a link or scan a QR code<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nOpen the company’s official website or app yourself instead of using the link in the message.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
The message asks you to verify your account, payment information, or identity<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNever enter credentials through an unsolicited message. If\u00a0you’re\u00a0concerned, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Someone asks for passwords, one-time verification codes, or payment over text, email, or phone<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nLegitimate companies\u00a0won’t\u00a0ask for this.\u00a0Don’t\u00a0share the information, even if the request seems convincing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
A “wrong number” text quickly becomes unusually friendly or shifts toward investing, crypto, or money<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nStop responding and block the sender. Modern scams often begin as seemingly harmless conversations.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How McAfee Can Help\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

With\u00a0<\/span>McAfee+,<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0multiple layers work together before any damage is done:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n