Avoid answering these calls on your iPhone or Android phone
The FBI has issued a warning about a new malicious attack targeting smartphone users, particularly those using both iPhone and Android devices. This latest warning comes as a surge in impersonation scams where criminals pose as federal agents or police officers, scamming victims into making payments to avoid arrest or court appearances.
How the Scam Works
The attack is simple and devious, using phone calls from numbers that appear to be from legitimate sources. Often, these calls are made using spoofed phone numbers, which can make it appear that the call is coming from an FBI field office or similar. The criminals then pressure victims to pay immediately through wire transfer, money apps, or gift cards.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
To verify identity and protect yourself, follow these steps:
- Hang up immediately if contacted by someone claiming to be a federal agent or police officer demanding payment or personal info over the phone. Legitimate officers never request payment by phone or ask for gift cards.
- Do not provide personal information like Social Security number, bank account details, or home address during unsolicited calls or messages.
- Avoid clicking on links or responding to suspicious texts or emails that claim to be from law enforcement, as they may lead to malicious sites.
- Verify through official channels: If you receive a call or message, independently find the official phone number of the agency (e.g., FBI local field office, police department) and call them back to confirm. Do not use numbers or links provided in the suspicious communication.
- Use a secret family password or code agreed upon by trusted family members or friends to verify identities in urgent situations.
- Register on the Federal Trade Commission’s Do Not Call list to reduce robocalls.
- Enable strong account security: Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA/MFA) and never share authentication codes with anyone over phone, email, or messaging apps.
- Be aware of AI-enhanced voice scams (vishing), where impersonators use AI to mimic voices of officials or acquaintances. Always be skeptical of urgent payment requests or unusual instructions, even if the voice sounds authentic.
If you suspect you have been targeted or scammed, report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov and your local authorities.
Stay Vigilant
The FBI advises citizens to trust their instincts and hang up on callers who make them feel pressured or uncomfortable. It's also worth warning those around you, especially the vulnerable, about these types of attacks. The FBI warns that criminals are capitalizing on fear and intimidation in this attack.
The surge in impersonation scams indicates that they are effective, particularly targeting the less technically savvy and the elderly. To stay safe, always be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do not recognize. Legitimate arrest warrants are not emailed or texted; they are served by a law enforcement officer or court official.
For more information, visit the FBI's official website or contact your local FBI field office. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these scams.
- The FBI has warned about an increase in impersonation scams, especially targeting smartphone users where criminals pose as police officers or federal agents, using technology to spoof phone numbers that may appear as if they're from reputable sources.
- To protect yourself, it's crucial to follow the FBI's guidelines, such as verifying identities, not providing personal information, avoiding links in suspicious texts or emails, and using strong account security features, like two-factor authentication, to reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams.
- As part of their general-news and crime-and-justice coverage, gadgets and smartphones are now integral to keeping updated on these types of threats, making it essential for users to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their personal information.
