The FBI and New York State Police are cautioning the public to be vigilant against a prevalent scam targeting smartphone users. Reports have emerged from various FBI offices across the United States indicating that scammers are utilizing phone number spoofing techniques to impersonate FBI agents. These fraudsters threaten potential victims with arrest unless they remit money promptly. If you suspect you have been targeted by this scheme, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
The El Paso branch of the FBI has emphasized that the agency does not engage in practices such as calling or emailing individuals to demand payment or to impose threats of arrest. They specifically state that you will never be asked to wire funds to avoid legal action, nor will you be requested to utilize large sums of money for sting operations. Additionally, the FBI will not contact individuals regarding “frozen” Social Security numbers or the handling of inheritances. The New York State Police have reported similar incidents, where residents receive calls from numbers that appear to belong to bona fide law enforcement.
Scammers posing as officers are soliciting Social Security numbers and threatening consequences for non-compliance. Both the FBI and New York State Police recommend that individuals do not divulge personal information over the phone, regardless of the caller’s claims. It is crucial to hang up immediately if you receive such a call, document any voicemails, and verify the legitimacy of the call by contacting the agency directly using a reliable number. Protecting yourself from these calls can spare you from financial loss and distress.