WARNING: Hang up immediately’: Alarming phone scam costs Americans thousands in new scheme

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From Fox News: A disturbing wave of fake agent phone scams is sweeping across the United States, catching people off guard and draining their savings. These criminals do not just pretend to be someone you trust; they impersonate federal agents, threaten arrest, and demand payment on the spot. As the schemes become more sophisticated, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are issuing urgent warnings. Moreover, the scams are spreading rapidly and becoming increasingly difficult to spot.

Often, it begins with a phone call that appears legitimate. The number might display familiar initials, such as “FBI,” “US Marshals,” or even your local police department. Scammers use spoofing technology to fake caller IDs, making the call look official. During the call, the scammer creates panic with claims like:

  • Your Social Security number has been frozen.
  • A loved one is in jail and needs money for GPS monitoring.
  • You missed a jury duty summons and now face arrest.

To avoid immediate legal trouble, victims are often instructed to pay immediately, usually through prepaid gift cards, cryptocurrency ATMs, or wire transfers. These demands are designed to be untraceable and irreversible. Importantly, the US Marshals will NEVER call you to collect money, the agency emphasized in a public warning. 

The scammers are targeting unsuspecting Americans nationwide, and some victims of lost thousands of dollars, the report warns.

Some scammers are even using the real names of local officers to make people think they are legit.  Even more chilling, in Maryland, suspects have shown up in person at homes to collect cash, while posing as FTC agents.

Text scams, called “smishing”, are also on the rise.

Now, AI voice cloning programs are being used to imitate real officials.

The report warns that the first thing you should always do if you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to be a government official demanding money is to HANG UP IMMEDIATELY.

And just because the number showing up on Caller ID looks official doesn’t mean it is, as spoofing technology can fake any number on Caller ID.

The report also warns you should never click on any suspicious links in texts and emails.

READ MORE from Fox News, as the article includes many helpful tips to avoid becoming the latest victim.

WATCH the important news report below:

The FBI posted the following warning in September of last year:

BUSTED: Ringleader of $30M grandparent scam network preying on unsuspecting seniors finally arrested

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