A new phone scam is making the rounds, and authorities are warning people to stay alert
Authorities say this latest scheme is especially dangerous because it relies on advanced caller ID spoofing and social engineering to trick people into handing over sensitive information.
While scam calls are nothing new, this one is particularly deceptive. The FBI warns that many iPhone and Android users might not realize they’re being scammed until it’s too late.
Scammers have figured out how to fake caller ID numbers, making it seem like the call is coming from a legitimate organization.
Once they have your attention, they try to convince you to transfer money or install harmful software on your phone.
And once malware is installed on a device, it can be incredibly difficult to detect and remove.
Just like a recent warning about QR code scams—where scanning a seemingly harmless code can expose all your personal data—this phone scam can put your financial and personal security at risk.
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.
