Impersonation scams are not only a problem between a scammer and a victim.
They also depend on the platforms where fake accounts, advertisements and messages can reach people.
In 2026, the Federal Trade Commission sought public comment on whether its impersonation rule should address platform-related issues.
For users, the practical lesson is not to assume that a verified-looking account or advertisement is automatically genuine.
Check the account history. Look at the actual destination of links. Verify important offers through the organisation's official website.
If an advertisement promises an unusually attractive investment, job or government benefit, treat the claim independently from the platform where you saw it.
Trust should come from verification, not from where the message appeared.