FBI ISSUES WARNING OF RECENT SURGE IN SCAM CALLS THAT WILL DO THIS

CNF

7/7/25

The FBI is warning the public about a surge in scam calls where individuals impersonate law enforcement officials, often attempting to extort money. These scammers use caller ID spoofing to make it appear as if the call is coming from a legitimate agency or even a specific officer. They may falsely claim that the recipient is in legal trouble and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest, often using tactics that create fear and urgency. 

Here’s a breakdown of the scam and how to protect yourself:
How the scam works:
  • Impersonation:
    Scammers pretend to be law enforcement officers, sometimes using the names of real officers or agencies.
  • Spoofing:
    They use technology to make the caller ID display a legitimate law enforcement number or even the name of a real officer.
  • Threats and Demands:
    They might claim a package with illegal items was found under the recipient’s name, threaten arrest, and demand payment to resolve the issue.
  • Payment Methods:

    They often insist on payment through unusual methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers, which are difficult to trace.

How to protect yourself:
  • Be Skeptical:

    Don’t trust calls that demand immediate payment or threaten arrest, especially if they involve unusual payment methods. 

  • Verify:

    If you’re unsure, hang up and call the agency they claim to be from directly using a number you find independently (e.g., from their official website). 

  • Don’t Give Information:

    Never provide personal or financial information to someone you don’t know and trust, especially over the phone. 

  • Report:

    If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local law enforcement agency, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

  • Hang Up:

    The safest response to a suspected scam call is to hang up and avoid engaging with the scammer. 

Key Takeaways:
  • Real law enforcement officials will not call you demanding money or threatening arrest. 
  • Be cautious of calls with urgent or threatening tones, especially if they request unusual payment methods. 
  • Always verify the identity of callers claiming to be from law enforcement by contacting the agency directly.