Could your employees recognize a scam if it looked just like a message from Microsoft or Google? Today’s cybercriminals are more convincing than ever, and they’re banking on your team’s trust in well-known brands. These impersonation scams are on the rise, and businesses in Austin and beyond are being targeted every day.
Impersonation Scams Are Exploiting Your Trust in Big Brands
Brand recognition builds confidence. Most of us don’t think twice when we see a message from Microsoft, Google, or Apple. But that familiarity is exactly what scammers are exploiting. In fact, according to a recent study from Check Point, Microsoft was the most impersonated brand in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for a staggering 36% of brand-related phishing attacks. Google and Apple followed at 12% and 8%, respectively.
That means more than half of all brand-related scams now involve these three trusted names.
Cybercriminals count on your employees to click without questioning. The result? Breached credentials, compromised systems, and lost trust.
Mastercard Scams Are Spreading Internationally
While tech brands dominate in the U.S., Mastercard impersonation scams are also gaining traction globally. A wave of phishing campaigns in Japan is using fake Mastercard login pages to steal:
- Card numbers
- CVV codes
- Expiration dates
- Personal identifying information
These fraudulent sites often look identical to the real thing. One click is all it takes to hand over sensitive data. That’s why teaching your team how to verify URLs and avoid logging in from suspicious links is more important than ever.
What Are Phishing and Impersonation Scams?
Phishing is a form of social engineering that deceives victims into providing confidential information or performing an action that compromises security. Impersonation scams are a specific type of phishing that mimics reputable companies or individuals to establish credibility.
Common examples include:
- Emails claiming to be from your cloud provider asking you to verify your password
- Fake invoice requests that look like they came from a known vendor
- Phone calls from someone posing as a tech support rep from Microsoft or Google
The goal is always the same: to gain access to your systems, money, or personal data.
How to Protect Your Business From Impersonation Scams
Defending your organization requires more than just antivirus software. It starts with awareness and ends with a well-structured response plan.
1. Train Your Team to Spot the Signs
Your employees are your first line of defense. Equip them with the knowledge to:
- Recognize fake or misspelled sender addresses
- Hover over links before clicking to preview URLs
- Avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Hold regular cybersecurity training sessions and simulate phishing attacks to keep everyone alert.
2. Implement Strong Anti-Phishing Technologies
Layered security can reduce the risk of a successful scam. Invest in:
- Email security filters that block suspicious messages
- Anti-malware tools that scan emails and links
- DNS filtering to prevent users from accessing harmful websites
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for sensitive accounts
These tools help catch what your team may miss.
3. Create a Clear Incident Response Plan
No defense is perfect. If a scam slips through, your team needs to act fast. Your response plan should include:
- Clear communication channels and roles
- Steps to isolate the affected system
- Data recovery procedures and backup protocols
- A checklist for reporting and containment
Update the plan regularly and test it in simulated scenarios so your team is ready.
Prepare Now So You Don’t Pay Later
Impersonation scams aren’t slowing down — they’re evolving. Microsoft and Google are just the beginning. For business leaders in healthcare, law, construction, nonprofits, and professional services, the risk is real. A single mistake can expose confidential data, disrupt operations, and damage your reputation.
Don’t leave your organization vulnerable. By strengthening your defenses, training your team, and having a plan in place, you’ll be ready for whatever cybercriminals throw your way.
FAQs About Phishing and Impersonation Scams
1. How can I tell if an email is a phishing attempt?
Look for red flags like unexpected requests, grammatical errors, odd sender addresses, or urgent language. Always verify directly with the sender using known contact methods.
2. What should I do if an employee clicks on a phishing link?
Immediately disconnect the device from the network, notify your IT team, and begin your incident response protocol. Change any compromised credentials and scan systems for malware.
3. Are small businesses really targeted by impersonation scams?
Yes. Small and midsize businesses are often seen as easier targets because they may lack robust security measures. Every business, regardless of size, should be prepared.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!