The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented a new rule to combat the growing threat of impersonation scams, which cost victims an estimated $1.1 billion last year, “more than three times what consumers reported in 2020.”
What Happened: The FTC’s new rule, which came into effect on April 1, empowers the FTC to directly file federal court complaints to compel scammers to return money stolen through business or government impersonation.
According to the commission’s information, “The rule gives the agency stronger tools to combat and deter scammers who impersonate government agencies and businesses, enabling the FTC to file federal court cases seeking to get money back to injured consumers and civil penalties against rule violators.” ...