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**FBI Warning—Do Not Take These Calls On Your Smartphone**
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against taking any suspicious calls on their smartphone. In a recent advisory, the agency emphasized that law enforcement agencies never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
According to reports, scammers are using various tactics to deceive victims into sending money or providing personal information. These attacks have been reported nationwide, with state and local police forces also issuing warnings and advisories.
The FBI warns that federal agents will never call you demanding payment or threatening arrest. If a caller claims this, it is likely a scam. The agency advises against engaging with such calls and urges victims to hang up immediately.
Additionally, the U.S. Marshals Service has issued an alert warning citizens of fraudulent activities. It cautions that scammers are using real law enforcement officer’s names to impersonate their identities. The agency warns that if you receive a call claiming to be from a police officer or government official demanding money or threatening arrest, it is a scam.
Another type of fraud being reported involves scammers asking victims to lend their phone for an emergency situation. In this scenario, the caller may claim they need the phone to help someone facing an urgent issue and ask you to step out of sight with your device. This tactic can be followed by scammers accessing personal information or transferring money through payment apps.
The FBI warns that law enforcement agencies never request payment or threaten arrest over the phone, especially not via prepaid cards, Zelle, or gift cards. The agency emphasizes that fear is being used to pressure victims into acting quickly, and urges people not to fall for it.
It’s essential to stay informed about these scams and know what to watch out for even when numbers are being spoofed to make detection more difficult. Stick to the basic rules: do not engage with suspicious calls and hang up immediately if you receive a call claiming to be from a law enforcement agency demanding payment or threatening arrest.
In this era of increased cybercrime, it is crucial that we remain vigilant and protect ourselves against these malicious activities.
Source: www.forbes.com
