The caller ID matches. The agent's name is real. You could still be getting scammed.
Three fraud warnings worth knowing
In brief
- Idaho's Attorney General warned on October 15, 2026 that almost 400 Idaho Power customer accounts have seen fraudulent activity; confirm any payment demand through the utility's own app or number.
- The VA warned on September 25, 2026 that phishing aimed at veterans arrives by email, text, phone call and QR code; report suspected fraud at VSAFE.gov.
- FBI Newark warned on September 29, 2026 that scammers use real agents' names and spoofed field-office numbers; the FBI says never send money to anyone claiming to be a federal agent.
A utility company. Veterans' benefits. Federal law enforcement. Three different situations, one important question: How do you know the person contacting you is legitimate?
Fraudsters don't always pretend to be strangers. They often impersonate organizations you already know and trust.
This week, SecureFi highlights three official warnings that illustrate why independent verification matters before you click a link, provide information, or send money.
This week's warnings
Utility company scams: When a payment demand isn't what it seems
Utility impersonation is when someone poses as your power, gas or water company to take a payment or your account details.
On October 15, the Idaho Attorney General warned about scams targeting Idaho Power customers. According to the Attorney General's alert, Idaho Power has almost 400 customer accounts that have experienced fraudulent activity, including unauthorized service requests, fraudulent payments, impersonation and changes to account information.
Scammers have used spoofed telephone numbers, misleading websites and threats of service disconnection to pressure customers.
Before you act: If someone contacts you about an unexpected utility payment or account problem, don't rely on the contact information they provide. Open your utility company's official app or independently find its customer service number and verify the situation.
If you've already paid: Contact your bank or payment provider promptly, check your utility account for unauthorized changes, and preserve the suspicious communication.
Where to report:
- Idaho residents can file a complaint with the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at ReportScamsIdaho.com.
- To confirm your account status, call Idaho Power Customer Care at 208-388-2323 or 800-488-6151.
Veterans targeted through phishing
Phishing is a message that pretends to come from a trusted organization so you will click a link, scan a code or hand over personal information.
The Department of Veterans Affairs warned on September 25 that criminals use fraudulent emails, text messages, calls and QR codes to obtain veterans' benefits information and personal data.
These messages may appear to come from a trusted organization, making it harder to recognize the deception.
Before you act: Don't assume that an official-looking logo, caller ID or QR code is trustworthy. Access VA services through independently verified official channels instead of links provided in unexpected communications.
If you've shared information: Secure the affected accounts, contact the appropriate institution, and determine whether identity-protection and fraud-reporting steps are needed.
Where to report:
- Report suspected fraud at VSAFE.gov or by calling 1-833-38V-SAFE.
- For a missed VA payment or a problem with your direct deposit, call VA at 1-800-827-1000.
Fake federal agents: Even a real name can be part of a scam
Agent impersonation is when a caller claims to be from a law enforcement agency to frighten you into sending money.
On September 29, the FBI Newark Field Office warned about criminals posing as FBI, DEA and Secret Service agents. They spoof the phone numbers of real field offices and introduce themselves using the names of real agents. When victims call the field office to check, they are told the agent does work there. In one case, a scammer staged a video call made to look like an FBI office.
That check confirms the agent exists. It does not prove that the agent is the person who contacted you.
Before you act: Never send money simply because someone claims to be a federal agent. Contact the agency independently, explain that you may be receiving an impersonation call, and ask for verification of the actual contact.
If you've already sent money: Contact the financial institution involved immediately and preserve the call details and any messages.
Where to report:
- Submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI to reach a real FBI representative.
- If a scammer uses a video call, take photos or record it and include them with your tip.
The SecureFi takeaway: Verify before you act
These warnings illustrate three different methods of impersonation, but the protective habit is the same:
- Pause. Don't respond immediately to an unexpected demand for money or sensitive information.
- Verify independently. Find the organization's official contact details yourself.
- Check the communication. Evaluate the message, letter, link or payment request before acting.
- Respond quickly if harmed. Contact your financial institution, preserve evidence and follow relevant recovery and reporting steps.
SecureFi.AI is designed to help people evaluate suspicious communications before acting and guide recovery and reporting when something has already gone wrong.
Edited by David Haberland · Published by SecureFi, Inc. · All Fraud and Scam Watch editions · New edition every week · Follow on LinkedIn · RSS