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Budget and the Bees

Latrice Perez

Impersonation Scams Are the New Pickpocketing: 4 Scripts That Separate People From Their Savings

We used to worry about pickpockets bumping into us on the subway. Today, the thief is in your pocket, buzzing your phone with a text message that looks terrifyingly real. Impersonation scams—where criminals pose as trusted entities—losses hit billions of dollars last year. They don’t steal your wallet; they convince you to hand it over.

These aren’t the “Nigerian Prince” emails of the early 2000s. These are highly sophisticated scripts delivered by criminals who know exactly which buttons to push: fear, love, and obedience to authority. As an investigative writer tracking these trends, I have identified the scripts that are currently draining bank accounts across the country. Recognizing the script is the only way to stop the play.

The “Grandchild in Jail” Call

This is emotional warfare. You get a call from someone posing as your grandchild, or a “public defender” representing them. They sound panicked or muffled (blaming a bad connection or a broken nose). They claim they have been arrested and need bail money immediately to avoid going to a dangerous holding cell.

The script is designed to bypass your logic and hit your protective instincts. They beg you not to tell their parents because they are ashamed. It creates a conspiracy of silence that prevents you from verifying the story. Always hang up and call the grandchild or their parents directly on their known number. 99% of the time, they are safe at home.

The “Bank Fraud Department” Alert

You get a text: “Bank Alert: Did you spend $2,000 at Best Buy? Reply YES or NO.” You panic and reply NO. Immediately, your phone rings. It is the “Fraud Department.” They tell you your account is compromised and you need to move your money to a “safe wallet” or “federal locker” to protect it.

Here is the truth: Banks do not have “safe wallets.” They do not ask you to transfer money to protect it. If there is fraud, they freeze the account; they don’t ask you to empty it. This script uses your fear of losing money to trick you into wiring your savings directly to the scammer.

The “Jury Duty” Warrant

This one targets law-abiding citizens. A caller identifying as a local Sheriff’s deputy informs you that you missed jury duty and there is now a warrant for your arrest. To avoid jail time, you can pay a fine over the phone or via a kiosk.

Police never call you to warn you about a warrant. They just show up. And they certainly never ask for payment via gift cards or payment apps. This scam relies on your respect for authority and fear of incarceration. It is intimidation, plain and simple.

The “Tech Support” Pop-Up

Your computer screen freezes with a loud alarm and a message: “VIRUS DETECTED. Call Microsoft Support immediately.” You call the number, and a “technician” tells you they need remote access to your computer to scrub the virus.

Once you let them in, they can steal your files, install real malware, or have you log into your bank account so they can “refund” a fake charge. Real tech companies do not put phone numbers on security warnings. If your screen locks up, force restart your computer. Do not call the number.

Trust Your Gut, Not the Caller ID

Caller ID is dead. Scammers can “spoof” any number, making it look like the call is coming from the FBI, your bank, or your local police station. You cannot trust the name on the screen.

If you get a call that makes your heart race, that is your signal to hang up. Look up the official number for the organization they claim to be, and call them back from a safe line. Verification is kryptonite to these scammers. Take the time to verify, and you will keep your money safe.