Summary
Reports of scams pretending to be government agencies have increased during the recent government shutdown, according to the Better Business Bureau. Scammers are taking advantage of confusion and stress by targeting people who rely on government services. The Better Business Bureau has seen a significant rise in complaints about these scams.
Key Facts
- Reports of government impostor scams increased during the government shutdown in October.
- The Better Business Bureau received 211 complaints about these scams in October.
- That number is up from 151 complaints in September and 133 in August.
- Scammers impersonated services like passport renewals and government-backed loans.
- A scam in Washington falsely promised a $22,000 grant with a $500 fee.
- Another scam falsely claimed to offer a $5,000 "relief check."
- Many scams are sophisticated enough to appear legitimate on online searches.
- SNAP recipients are potential targets as scammers adjust tactics during the shutdown.
