Scammers Steal $835M from Americans Using Fake Customer Service Numbers

In 2025, scammers have stolen eight hundred thirty-five million dollars from Americans using fake customer service numbers, a tactic known as the business-impersonator scam. According to a Bloomberg reporter, who also fell victim to this scam in late November, the Federal Trade Commission reported that 396,227 Americans were deceived in the first nine months of 2025, an 18 percent increase from 335,785 in the same period of 2024.

Reported losses from business-impostor scams rose by 30 percent compared to the previous year. United Airlines has responded by advising customers to only use customer-service contact information that is listed on their website and app.

The reporter contested a charge with American Express, canceled their credit card, and placed a fraud alert with Experian. They also filed a complaint with the FTC and reported the fake advertisement to Google.

American Express resolved the dispute in their favor, but the experience left a lasting impact during Thanksgiving.