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FBI Warning—Do Not Take These Calls On Your Smartphone
In a stark warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has cautioned against taking certain calls on your smartphone. According to reports, scammers are impersonating government agents and police officers to intimidate victims into sending money or providing personal information.
The FBI warns that scammers are using fake numbers and caller IDs to make it seem like an urgent call from a law enforcement agency is coming in. The scammers then try to trick victims into believing they will be arrested if they don’t pay up.
It’s essential to remember that no federal agent, including those from the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and US Marshals, will ever call you demanding payment or threatening arrest. If you receive any such calls, hang up immediately and avoid engaging with the caller.
The FBI urges citizens to be cautious and not share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers. The bureau also advises that it’s never going to demand payment over the phone, especially not via prepaid cards, Zelle, or gift cards.
Local law enforcement agencies have also issued warnings about these scams. In Illinois, a sheriff warned residents of a new scam targeting families, where scammers claim a loved one needs money to be placed on GPS monitoring to get out of jail. The sheriff emphasized that this is a scam and urged citizens not to fall for it.
In another instance, a police force in Virginia warned about a cellphone scam, where victims are asked to lend their phone to help a stranger facing an emergency situation. Scammers may use the tactic to access personal information or transfer money through payment apps.
Google warns that scammers continue to evolve their tactics and defraud people worldwide. It’s crucial for individuals to stay informed about fraud and be cautious of any calls claiming you owe money or need to take action urgently.
As a result, law enforcement agencies are urging citizens to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls and not engage with the callers.
Source: www.forbes.com
