FBI Warns of Phone Scam Using Spoofed Numbers

Scammers are at it again, and this time they're pretending to be the FBI. Across the U.S., people are receiving phone calls from what appear to be official FBI numbers. The callers claim to be agents and threaten arrest unless you pay up. But here's the truth: it's all a scam.

According to PhoneArena, the FBI and New York State Police have issued warnings about these fraudulent calls. Scammers are using a technique called "spoofing" to make it look like the call is coming from a legitimate FBI or police number. They then pressure victims into sending money or providing personal information.

The FBI's El Paso branch has made it clear:

• They will never call or email private citizens to demand payment or threaten arrest.
• They won't ask you to wire money, use gift cards, or send large sums to catch a criminal.
• They won't contact you about "frozen" Social Security numbers or coordinate inheritances.

Similarly, the New York State Police have reported that scammers are impersonating their officers, asking for Social Security numbers, and threatening punishment if victims don't comply. 

They emphasize that they will never call individuals to demand sensitive information or threaten legal action over the phone.

What You Should Do:

• If you receive such a call, do not provide any personal information.
• Do not send money or make payments under threat.
• Hang up immediately—even if the caller ID appears legitimate.
• Save any voicemails and record the phone number if possible.
• Verify the call by contacting the agency directly using a trusted number.
   

If you believe you've been targeted by this scam, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Stay vigilant and remember: legitimate agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone.

Source: PhoneArena