FBI Warns iPhone And Android Users To Hang Up Immediately If They Hear This
Even if the caller ID looks legitimate, authorities say the safest move is to end the call and contact the organization directly using an official phone number.
Scammers may claim your bank account is being hacked or that you’re in legal trouble and need to transfer money immediately.
But officials stress that no legitimate agency would ever make such demands over the phone.
Forbes reports that this scam has been active for weeks, with law enforcement officials warning: “Scams have variations but generally the caller will identify themself as a law enforcement officer and tell the victim, falsely, that a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, did not show up for jury duty, have an overdue fine or something similar, and they will be arrested unless they pay right away.”
If you ever receive such a call, the FBI advises hanging up immediately. Instead of engaging with the caller, dial your local law enforcement office directly and report what happened.
Similarly, the CBP has issued warnings about an increase in fraudulent phone calls where scammers pose as CBP officers, falsely claiming they need information about suspected illegal activities.
Additionally, they will not threaten individuals with arrest or offer financial incentives in exchange for information.