A new scam involves criminals impersonating federal officials to deceive victims into paying money. These scammers use phone spoofing to make calls appear legitimate. Victims are told their Social Security numbers are frozen or loved ones need to pay for release from jail. Payments are demanded via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The FBI has noted the scam's expansion across multiple states since June 2025. Law enforcement agencies are urging people to report such calls, indicating that official agencies never demand money in this manner.
The FBI issued a warning about criminals impersonating federal officials in phone calls targeting potential victims, demanding thousands of dollars in payment via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency ATMs.
Federal agents say callers falsely claim a victim's Social Security number is frozen and create a false sense of urgency, making demands for payments.
The US Marshals Service clarified in a public alert: 'The USMS will NEVER call you to collect money or resolve a court case.'
Cybersecurity experts fear the scam tactics could evolve further, with the use of AI voice cloning or apps to impersonate officials even more convincingly.
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