FTC takes down 19 fake government websites, cracks down on impersonation scams

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says it has helped take down 19 websites impersonating the agency itself, as fraudsters exploit the names of government institutions and legitimate businesses to deceive consumers.

In an announcement published Oct. 29, the regulator outlined its latest efforts to combat impersonation scams, including legal action against fraudulent businesses, the removal of fake websites and social media accounts, and potential new rules targeting online advertising platforms.

Since its Impersonation Rule took effect in 2024, the FTC has carried out 14 enforcement actions resulting in more than $80 million in consumer redress.

Key points

• The FTC says 19 websites impersonating the agency have been taken offline over the past year
• Regulators have completed 14 enforcement actions under the Impersonation Rule, securing more than $80 million in consumer redress
• Recent cases involve fake debt collectors, tax relief services, healthcare providers, and credit repair businesses
• The agency is considering tougher rules governing the role of online advertising platforms in spreading impersonation scams
• Violators could face civil penalties of up to $53,088 per violation

Scammers are impersonating the FTC itself

According to the agency, fraudsters have been operating websites designed to resemble official FTC services, trying to trick consumers into believing they’re dealing with a legitimate government institution.

The regulator contacted domain registrars and other service providers to flag apparent violations of its Impersonation Rule.

As a result, 19 fraudulent websites were removed over the past year, including domains such as FTC-Support.org, FTC-Complaints.org, FTC-help.com, and federaltradecommission.net.

The FTC has also worked to remove social media pages impersonating the agency and its officials.

These scams are particularly deceptive because they exploit the authority of the very organization responsible for protecting consumers from fraud.

Someone looking to report a scam, seek assistance, or recover stolen money could instead end up interacting with criminals posing as federal officials.

More than $80 million in consumer redress

The crackdown extends well beyond fake government websites.

Since April 2025, the FTC has brought eight enforcement actions alleging violations of its Impersonation Rule, targeting businesses accused of falsely claiming government affiliations or impersonating legitimate organizations.

The cases involve schemes ranging from bogus debt collectors, fraudulent healthcare services, and tax debt relief operations to student loan assistance scams.

One of the most significant recent cases involves Credit Glory, an alleged fraudulent credit repair operation accused of impersonating creditors and debt collection agencies.

According to the FTC, the scheme took approximately $200 million from US consumers, including members of the military.

In August, a federal court temporarily halted the operation and froze its assets at the regulator's request.

The FTC's Impersonation Rule, introduced in 2024, allows the agency to pursue monetary relief for affected consumers and civil penalties against businesses and individuals that impersonate government agencies or legitimate companies.

Violators may face penalties of up to $53,088 per violation.

Imposter scams have been the top reported fraud category over the past several years with consumers reporting billions in losses. The FTC takes these scams very seriously and will continue to vigorously enforce the law against bad actors. If you pretend to be, or to be affiliated with, an entity to deceive consumers, you should expect to hear from the us.

--Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection

Online advertising platforms face scrutiny

The FTC is also examining how digital advertising services might help impersonation scams reach consumers.

In September, the regulator requested public feedback on whether its Impersonation Rule should be expanded or supplemented with new regulations addressing the role of online platforms.

The inquiry specifically focuses on advertising optimization tools offered by search engines, social media companies, and other digital marketplaces.

Such services can help fraudulent ads reach consumers searching for government assistance, financial services, or legitimate businesses.

The concern is that scammers can make fraudulent websites appear credible and attract potential victims by exploiting the same advertising infrastructure used by legitimate companies.

The FTC has not announced new requirements for these platforms, but its inquiry could pave the way for additional scrutiny of how impersonation scams are promoted online.

How to avoid government impersonation scams

Impersonation scams often rely on a sense of urgency, authority, and the appearance of legitimacy.

Fraudsters may claim to represent a government agency, bank, debt collector, or customer support department. They may also create convincing websites, use official-looking logos, or pay for ads that appear alongside legitimate search results.

Consumers should take a few precautions when dealing with unfamiliar websites or unsolicited communications:

• Verify the website address: Access government services through their official domains rather than clicking links in unsolicited messages or sponsored search results
• Be suspicious of payment demands: Government impersonators often pressure victims to pay supposed fines, fees, or outstanding debts immediately
• Don't trust caller ID or official-looking logos: Phone numbers can be spoofed, while government branding can be copied onto fraudulent websites
• Never share sensitive information without verifying the recipient: Scammers may request Social Security Numbers, banking credentials, or copies of identity documents
• Contact the organization independently: If someone claims to represent a government agency or financial institution, use contact details from its official website
• Use security software with anti-phishing protection: Bitdefender can help detect and block malicious websites and fraudulent links before they compromise personal information

Impersonation scams remain among the most commonly reported forms of fraud in the United States. According to FTC figures, consumers reported losing approximately $3.5 billion to impersonators in 2025.

Fraudsters are willing to impersonate virtually any organization, including the very agency investigating their illicit activities.

Remember: government agencies will never threaten you, demand money transfers, or promise prizes.

Suspected fraud can be reported directly at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

On topic:

FTC says Google ads led travelers to fake government passport services

Americans lost $3.5 billion to imposter scams last year — and the scams are getting harder to spot

Social media scams cost Americans $2.1 billion in 2025