Impersonation of Authority
A fraud tactic in which criminals pose as police officers, government officials, regulators, or court officers to intimidate victims into paying money or surrendering assets.
Also known as: authority impersonation, government impersonation fraud, police impersonation scam
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Impersonation of authority exploits the psychological deference most people extend to figures of official power. Fraudsters claim to be police officers, immigration officials, HMRC, IRS, court bailiffs, solicitors, or financial regulators. The message typically involves an imminent threat — arrest, deportation, asset seizure, legal proceedings — unless the victim pays immediately or takes a specific action.
Delivery channels include phone calls, emails, letters, and increasingly video calls using AI-generated or stolen official imagery. Attackers may supply fake badge numbers, warrant reference numbers, or official-looking letters to reinforce the deception. Some attacks combine multiple impersonated authorities in a single scenario to increase pressure.
The defining feature that distinguishes a scam from a genuine contact: real authorities never demand immediate cash payment — particularly via cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift cards — and never threaten arrest solely to extract a payment. If you receive such a contact, verify through official channels you locate independently.
Examples
- A caller claims to be a police officer and says the victim's bank account is linked to a money-laundering investigation; immediate fund transfer to a 'secure holding account' is demanded.
- An email bearing official court graphics states the recipient faces a fine for jury-duty non-attendance, payable by clicking a link.