Welcoming New Talent: A Proactive Approach to Combating Impersonator Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), through its business guidance portal, recently shared valuable insights on safeguarding new employees from the pervasive threat of impersonator scams. In their article, “Bringing new employees onboard? Help them avoid impersonator scams,” published on July 2nd, 2025, the FTC highlights a critical area where businesses can foster a more secure and supportive environment for their newest team members.
Onboarding is a crucial period for any new hire. It’s a time filled with learning, integration, and establishing trust within a new organization. Unfortunately, this very period of heightened focus on new processes and relationships can also make individuals more vulnerable to sophisticated impersonator scams. These scams can range from fraudulent requests for personal information disguised as HR paperwork to impersonations of IT support demanding remote access to company systems. The potential consequences for both the individual and the business can be significant, including identity theft, financial loss, and compromised company data.
The FTC’s guidance underscores the importance of proactive education as a cornerstone of a robust onboarding process. By equipping new employees with the knowledge and tools to identify and resist these deceptive tactics, businesses can significantly mitigate the risks. The article emphasizes that fostering a culture of vigilance is not just an IT or HR responsibility, but a collective effort that starts from the very first day of employment.
Key takeaways from the FTC’s advice likely revolve around providing clear and accessible information during the onboarding process. This could include:
- Educating on Common Scam Tactics: Informing new hires about the typical methods scammers employ, such as urgent requests for sensitive information, unusual payment demands, or impersonations of trusted authorities (like IT, HR, or even senior leadership).
- Establishing Clear Communication Protocols: Reinforcing how official company communications are typically delivered and what information is never requested via unsolicited emails or phone calls. This might involve outlining specific methods for verifying identity or reporting suspicious inquiries.
- Promoting a “Stop, Think, Verify” Mentality: Encouraging employees to pause and critically assess any unusual requests before acting, and to verify the authenticity of the request through established, independent channels if there’s any doubt.
- Highlighting Internal Reporting Mechanisms: Ensuring new employees are aware of how to report suspected scams or phishing attempts within the company, fostering a safe environment where they feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of reprisal.
- Emphasizing the Importance of Data Security: Briefly reiterating company policies regarding the handling of personal and confidential information, and the critical role each employee plays in maintaining security.
By prioritizing this educational component within the onboarding journey, businesses can empower their new hires to become active participants in their own security and the security of the organization. This proactive approach not only protects individuals from falling victim to scams but also contributes to a more resilient and secure operational environment for the entire company. The FTC’s timely guidance serves as a valuable reminder that a secure and welcoming onboarding experience is one that also prioritizes robust security awareness from the outset.
Bringing new employees onboard? Help them avoid impersonator scams
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www.business.ftc.gov published ‘Bringing new employees onboard? Help them avoid impersonator scams’ at 2025-07-02 15:26. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.