FBI has this ‘scam’ warning for all iPhone and Android users: Details and how to tackle fraud

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (

FBI

) has issued an alert, advising all smartphone users in the US to be wary of scams designed to coerce them into sending money. These attacks, which often involve impersonating government agents, are a growing concern for law enforcement, it said."Scammers are spoofing FBI phone numbers nationwide, impersonating government agents. Victims are tricked into thinking an arrest is imminent unless they send money," the bureau stated (via Forbes)."The FBI will never call you demanding money to get out of criminal charges. It’s a scam. Hang up and visit the FBI's ic3.gov to file a report," it addedNotably, New York State Police recently issued similar warnings, noting "an ongoing phone spoofing scam" that impersonates law enforcement or government agencies. These scammers demand personal information like Social Security numbers and threaten punitive action for non-compliance.

How calling scams work

As per the law enforcement agencies, these scams are designed to create fear and confusion by making calls appear to originate from trusted sources. This often leads victims to comply with demands or share sensitive information that can be used for further financial fraud.They also claim that scammers have started posing as bank investigators, fire department charity collectors and even claiming to be from jury duty, demanding payment to avoid penalties for alleged failure to appear.The FBI reiterates that these impersonation scams rely on intimidation tactics. Scammers typically use an urgent, aggressive tone, refuse to speak with anyone but the targeted victim, and urge victims to keep the demands secret from family, friends, or financial institutions.Demands for payment can vary, including prepaid cards, wire transfers, cash sent by mail or inserted into cryptocurrency ATMs, or even cash delivered to a courier at the victim's home.

FBI on how to safeguard against scammers

The FBI stresses that since these scams prey on natural fears, users should hang up immediately and that all law enforcement agencies will never make such threats by phone or text.