Scammers may pretend to be someone you trust to get your money or personal information. This article explains how to recognize common scams and fake messages so you can protect yourself and your ID.me account.
If you think you’ve been scammed or someone accessed your ID.me account, learn how to protect your account and report the scam.
How to identify scams
Scammers are always changing tactics when it comes to how and why they may reach out to you. Here’s what to look out for:
| Warning sign | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Messages pretending to be from ID.me | You may receive emails, text messages, or social media messages that claim to be from ID.me. Learn how to identify communications from ID.me. |
| Password reset email that you didn’t request | If you receive a password reset email you didn’t request, someone may be trying to access your ID.me Wallet. Learn how to protect yourself after a scam. |
|
Unsolicited emails, texts, or direct messages from strangers |
Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or direct messages on social media from people you don’t know. Be especially careful if they ask for money or personal information. |
| Fake messages urging you to act quickly |
If a message urges you to verify your identity right away, don’t respond. Scammers may claim you’ll lose benefits or face another consequence if you don’t act quickly. Be especially cautious of urgent requests sent through text or social media. |
| Requests for your ID.me Wallet login information |
Stop communicating with anyone who asks for your ID.me password or multi-factor authentication code. Don’t work with anyone who offers to set up an ID.me Wallet for you. Only you should create and manage your ID.me Wallet. |
| Requests to verify without creating an ID.me Wallet |
To verify your identity with ID.me, you need to create an ID.me Wallet and provide information about yourself. You may also need to take a selfie or join a video call. Be cautious if someone asks you to take a selfie or join a video call without setting up your own ID.me Wallet. A scammer may be trying to create a Wallet in your name. |
Common scams
Scammers may use trust, fear, pressure, or promises of money to convince you to do something you normally wouldn’t do. They may also use fake documents, images, videos, or identities to make their story seem real.
Fake jobs
“Please reply to verify your job employment verification. All you need to do is click on the link and take a selfie to complete the verification process. We can also set up an interview on Facebook Messenger.”
Tip: When in doubt, contact the company who listed the job. Be on the lookout for people who invite you to a job interview on Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp. Learn more about job scams.
Financial promises
“I’m donating to 200 random individuals. If you get this message then your number was selected to win 10,000 USD. ”
Tip: Ignore anyone who promises you extraordinary deals, benefits, or financial gain. One rule to keep in mind is if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Learn more about income scams.
Romance scams
“You’re the only one I can help like this because you’re the love of my life. Send me your information and I can send you money.”
Tip: Romance scams can be hard to spot, especially if you've been in touch with the person for a while. A red flag is if they avoid meeting in person. Never send money or verify your identity for someone you've only met online or over the phone. Learn more about romance scams.
Military impersonation scams
A scammer may pretend to be a service member or veteran to gain your trust. They may build a friendship or romantic relationship before asking for money, your ID.me information, or for you to verify your identity on their behalf.
"I need help accessing my benefits while I'm deployed. Can you verify for me?"
Tip: Don’t share your ID.me sign-in information or verify your identity for someone else. Be cautious if someone claiming to be a service member asks you to do either.
Celebrity or public figure impersonation scams
A scammer may pretend to be a celebrity, influencer, executive, or someone who represents them. They may contact you directly and build a personal connection before asking for money, your ID.me information, or asking you to verify your identity.
"I normally don't message my fans personally, but I wanted to reach out to you. I just need you to verify your identity first."
Tip: Be cautious if someone claiming to be a celebrity or public figure contacts you unexpectedly and asks for money, personal information, or identity verification.
Extortion and intimidation
“Click the link within 24 hours. Otherwise, I may reveal information about you that I have.”
Tip: Don’t be pressured by threats. Do not continue to send text messages or emails to someone who is threatening you. Learn more about threats and extortion scams.
Unusual payment requests
“Do you think you can help me out? I’ll send you money via CashApp, if you can convert it to Bitcoin for me.“
Tip: Ignore unsolicited messages that ask you to make payments through unconventional methods, like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Learn more about payment app scams.
Supporting a friend or family member
If you think a friend or family member is being scammed, talk to them about the warning signs you’ve noticed. Stay calm, listen to their concerns, and avoid blaming or embarrassing them.
Share information that can help them recognize the warning signs instead of trying to convince them they’ve been scammed. They may need time or more than one conversation.
Encourage them to stop sending money or sharing personal information while they check whether the person or request is legitimate. If they think they’ve already been scammed, share the steps for protecting yourself after a scam.
What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed, learn how to Protecting yourself after a scam.
If you think someone tried to create an ID.me Wallet or verify their identity using your information, report suspected fraud.