Criminals impersonate bank or e-commerce customer service agents, claiming account issues or order problems to extract sensitive information or payments. These scams have surged in recent years, with attackers often using real personal details to appear more convincing. A recent case in the U.S. involved scammers posing as Uber Eats support, calling restaurant owners and claiming numerous failed customer orders had triggered complaints.
The scammers knew the restaurant’s name and registered email, which gave them credibility. During the call, they sent verification codes to the owner’s phone and email, persuading the victim to read them aloud. They then instructed the owner to reset their Uber Eats account password during the call. A Chinese restaurant owner fell victim and lost more than USD 6,000 from the account.
Scam tactic: exploiting the anxiety of “order problems,” using professional call center language and spoofed numbers to lower suspicion, and coercing victims into providing verification codes or resetting passwords. Many victims were caught off guard during busy work hours and, under pressure, let their guard down.
Social Media Fake Support:
Beyond phone calls, scammers also impersonate customer service accounts on social media (a tactic sometimes called “angler phishing”). They monitor users’ posts or comments seeking help, then contact them pretending to be official support.
The fake accounts send phishing links or request login details, exploiting the victim’s urgency for assistance. This form of deception preys on users’ trust when they are already in a vulnerable situation.
