Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself from Scams Using the Name of the IMF
Last Updated: April 14, 2025
The name and marks of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are increasingly being used in attempts to defraud the public, for example through bogus websites, unsolicited email correspondence, social-media accounts, physical letters, phone calls, text messages, and other scams. The IMF wishes to warn the public about these fraudulent activities that falsely claim to be affiliated with the IMF, and/or its officials.
The IMF is an inter-governmental organization whose transactions and operations are carried out directly with its member countries and does not offer services to individuals or corporate entities. The IMF does NOT authorize, verify, monitor, or assist in contract or payments between individuals, third parties and/or governments, nor does it endorse the activities of any bank, financial institution, or other public or private agency.
Please read the following information carefully to protect yourself from such fraud.
Examples of Common Scams
- Fake emails and letters: Scammers may send emails or letters with official-looking logos, claiming to be from the IMF. These often request personal banking details or advance fees for processing large sums of money. The scam communications for example instruct potential victims to contact the IMF for issuance of a “Certificate of International Capital Transfer” or other forms of approval to enable them to receive large sums of monies as beneficiaries by providing confidential information.
- Impersonation of IMF staff: Scam emails, fake documents, and fake social media or LinkedIn requests were reportedly received by private individuals. These communications are often phishing attempts designed to steal confidential information or solicit funds. Always use caution before replying to such requests if they do not seem legitimate.
- Scam contract or inheritance payments: the scam may ask victims to authorize, verify, monitor, or assist in contract or inheritance payments between third parties and/or governments. The IMF does not participate in such activities, nor does it endorse the activities of any bank, financial institution, or other public or private agency.
- Fraudulent commercial use of IMF courses and services: Fraudulent companies may attempt to sell courses and services claiming to be from the IMF or developed in collaboration with other organizations. The IMF does not sell any of its courses via unauthorized commercial vendors, nor does the IMF provide “accreditation” to individuals and other entities to solicit work and other services. For example, TADAT courses, other services and certificates are only available directly through the official TADAT website.
- Fraudulent job offers: Be wary of job offers that ask for money as part of the recruitment process. Official communication will always come from emails ending in @imf.org. Note: The IMF does not charge a fee as part of their recruitment process.
- Investment scams: Scammers may misuse the IMF name to solicit investments. The IMF does not offer services to individuals or corporate entities.
- Fake Grants:Scammers may set up fraudulent websites and social media accounts advertising a need-based grant program created by the IMF. These websites sometimes use the IMF’s official trademarks and copyrights to appear legitimate. The reader is instructed to complete an online application designed to collect personal information; and the reader might also be encouraged to engage with a chatbot or online administrator. The IMF does not award grants to individuals or businesses.
The IMF is not connected in any way with such scams, and cannot be held responsible if its name, marks, logo or address are misused in fraudulent schemes. If you consider that you have been the victim of fraud, we recommend that you immediately stop any communication with the scammers and report any complaints to your local law enforcement authority.