The FBI warns that a dangerous new scam is putting most smartphone users at serious risk.
Federal authorities are alarmed by a new scheme that uses a combination of deceptive phone calls and advanced computer tricks.
While scam calls are nothing new, this particular fraud is especially concerning. According to the FBI, many Android and iPhone users may struggle to identify the scammer before it’s too late.
The scam is particularly deceptive because fraudsters can “spoof” caller ID numbers, making it appear as though they are calling from a trusted source such as a tech support line, a bank, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or even your local police department.
Victims are tricked into transferring money or installing harmful software on their devices. As with many scams, the caller creates a false sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly.
Even if you recognize the scam, removing malware from your device can be difficult.
Authorities have also issued warnings about QR code scams, where a single scan of a seemingly harmless code can give cybercriminals full access to your phone compromising contacts, photos, credit card details, and online banking information.
To protect yourself, the FBI recommends following a simple rule: If you receive an unsolicited call from someone you didn’t contact first even if the caller ID looks legitimate hang up immediately.
The FBI warns that the chances of such a call being genuine are so low that it’s not worth the risk.
Scammers often claim that your bank account is under attack or that you must send money to avoid police arrest. Reports from Virginia to New York indicate that criminals are impersonating law enforcement officers to pressure victims into paying fake fines.
According to Forbes, this scam has been spreading nationwide. The fraudsters may use real names of police officers and spoof phone numbers to appear legitimate. Victims are falsely told they have a warrant due to missing a court date, skipping jury duty, or having an unpaid fine, then pressured to pay immediately to avoid arrest.
Authorities emphasize that law enforcement agencies do not operate this way. If you receive such a call, the FBI advises you to hang up and contact your local police department directly to verify the claim.
Similarly, CBP has warned about a surge in scam calls from fraudsters posing as CBP officers, falsely claiming to be investigating illegal activity. CBP has made it clear:
“We will not call a suspect or a victim requesting money or social security numbers, nor make calls threatening citizens that law enforcement is on the way or promising money for information.”
By staying alert and following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
