The FBI in Denver is warning the public about a new scam that involves the impersonation of FBI phone numbers. Scammers are calling individuals from what appears to be an FBI phone number and pretending to be FBI agents themselves. They use a technique called “spoofing,” where they falsify the number to make it appear as if the call is coming from the FBI. These scammers then inform the victim that their identity or bank accounts have been compromised and that they need to transfer their money immediately to gift cards or cryptocurrency. The scammers then ask for verification information, which they use to steal funds. The FBI in Denver has identified victims with losses ranging from $940 to $13,000 so far. They urge the public to remain vigilant and never share personal identification information with anyone who calls them unsolicited or without verification. If a call seems suspicious, individuals are advised to contact their local FBI office directly to verify its authenticity.
Overview
In recent news, the FBI in Denver has issued a warning about a phone number impersonation scam. Scammers are pretending to be FBI agents and using a spoofed FBI phone number to deceive their victims. These scammers typically call individuals and falsely claim that their identity or bank accounts have been compromised. They then coerce the victims into transferring money immediately to gift cards or cryptocurrency. The FBI has identified victims outside of Colorado and Wyoming who have suffered financial losses ranging from $940 to $13,000.
Background
The FBI in Denver has recently alerted the public to a new type of fraud that involves impersonating the FBI’s phone number. Scammers are using technology to manipulate the caller ID system and make it appear as though the call is coming from an actual FBI phone number. This tactic is an attempt to gain the trust of the victims and make them more inclined to believe the scam. Once the scammers have the victim on the line, they pose as FBI agents and provide false information regarding compromised identities or bank accounts.
FBI warning about phone number impersonation scam
The FBI is cautioning the public about this phone number impersonation scam in order to raise awareness and prevent further victims. The agency wants to make it clear that they will never call individuals and ask them to transfer money to gift cards or cryptocurrency. The FBI urges the public to be vigilant and not to share personal information with unsolicited callers.
How scammers operate
Scammers involved in this phone number impersonation scam use various tactics to deceive their victims. They manipulate the caller ID system to display the FBI’s phone number, making it appear as though the call is legitimate. They then claim to be FBI agents and provide false information about compromised identities or bank accounts. The scammers coerce their victims into transferring money immediately to gift cards or cryptocurrency, using fear and urgency to prevent the victims from questioning the legitimacy of the call.
Losses reported
Victims outside of Colorado and Wyoming have reported losses ranging from $940 to $13,000 as a result of falling victim to this phone number impersonation scam. These individuals have been deceived by the scammers who have posed as FBI agents and manipulated them into transferring money. It is important for the public to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of this scam.
Identification of Victims
The victims identified in this phone number impersonation scam are individuals who reside outside the jurisdiction of the FBI in Denver, specifically in areas outside of Colorado and Wyoming. These individuals have been targeted by the scammers who have impersonated FBI agents and manipulated them into transferring money.
Prevention Tips
To avoid falling victim to this phone number impersonation scam, it is crucial to follow these prevention tips:
Stay vigilant
Remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially if the caller claims to be from the FBI. It is important to verify the legitimacy of the call before providing any personal information or taking any action.
Do not share personal information with unsolicited callers
Never share personal information, such as social security numbers, bank account details, or credit card information, with unsolicited callers. Legitimate organizations, including the FBI, will not ask for this information over the phone.
Verify calls from the FBI
If you receive a call claiming to be from the FBI, it is essential to verify the authenticity of the call. Contact your local FBI office directly to confirm if the call is legitimate. Do not rely on the phone number provided by the caller as it may be spoofed.
Reporting Scams
If you believe you have been a victim of this phone number impersonation scam, it is crucial to report it to the FBI. Prompt reporting of scams helps law enforcement agencies gather information and track down the perpetrators. Here’s how you can report scams:
Contact the FBI directly
If you have fallen victim to the phone number impersonation scam, you should contact the FBI directly. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to report the incident and provide them with all relevant details.
Report scams to the FBI
You can also report scams to the FBI online through their reporting platform at tips.fbi.gov. This allows you to provide detailed information about the scam and any evidence you may have.
Other Scam Warnings
In addition to the phone number impersonation scam, the FBI wants to alert the public about other common scams and provide tips to avoid falling victim to them. Two important warnings include:
FBI does not ask for money transfers
The FBI will never call individuals and request money transfers, especially through gift cards or cryptocurrency. Be cautious of any unsolicited calls asking for financial transactions.
Importance of verifying identity
It is crucial to always verify the identity of the caller, especially if they claim to be from a reputable organization such as the FBI. Take the time to contact the FBI directly and confirm the legitimacy of the call before providing any personal information or taking any action.
Reported Losses
Victims of the phone number impersonation scam have reported losses ranging from $940 to $13,000. These financial losses have occurred when individuals fell victim to the scammers posing as FBI agents and transferring money as instructed.
FBI Contact Information
If you need to contact the FBI regarding any issues or suspicious activities, here is the contact information:
Phone number: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Use this phone number to report any scams, suspicious activities, or seek assistance from the FBI.
Online reporting: tips.fbi.gov
You can also report incidents and provide information to the FBI online through their reporting platform at tips.fbi.gov.
Most Wanted
The FBI has various ongoing investigations and is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating wanted individuals in several categories, including:
Fugitives
The FBI maintains a list of the top ten most wanted fugitives. These are individuals wanted for serious crimes who have managed to elude capture.
Terrorism
The FBI investigates cases related to terrorism and seeks the public’s assistance in identifying and locating individuals involved in terrorist activities.
Kidnappings/Missing Persons
The FBI works to locate missing individuals and recover victims of kidnappings. They rely on public tips and information to aid in these efforts.
Seeking Information
The FBI regularly releases information about individuals they are seeking for questioning or as potential witnesses in ongoing investigations.
Bank Robbers
Bank robbery is a federal offense, and the FBI investigates these cases vigorously. They often release surveillance footage and seek the public’s help in identifying suspects.
ECAP (Endangered Child Alert Program)
The ECAP is a program aimed at identifying and rescuing child victims of abuse and exploitation. The FBI seeks the public’s assistance in locating these endangered children.
ViCAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program)
The ViCAP program is focused on identifying and apprehending violent criminals. The FBI relies on public tips to assist in capturing these dangerous individuals.
How the FBI Can Help
The FBI provides several ways to assist individuals who are victims of crimes or need law enforcement assistance. These services include:
Law enforcement assistance
The FBI works closely with local law enforcement agencies to provide resources, expertise, and assistance on cases involving federal laws and jurisdictions. They can provide investigative support and collaborate with local agencies to bring criminals to justice.
Victim support
The FBI has victim specialists who provide support and assistance to victims of crimes investigated by the agency. These specialists can help victims navigate the criminal justice system, access resources, and provide emotional support throughout the process.
Safety resources
The FBI offers various resources and programs aimed at promoting safety and preventing crime. These resources include educational materials, safety tips, and outreach programs to educate the public and raise awareness about potential threats and scams.
Investigation Areas
The FBI is involved in investigating various areas of criminal activity and national security concerns. These areas include:
Terrorism
The FBI investigates terrorist activities, both domestic and international. They work to identify, disrupt, and dismantle terrorist networks and prevent acts of terrorism.
Counterintelligence
The FBI is responsible for identifying and countering foreign intelligence threats to the United States. They aim to protect national security by detecting and neutralizing espionage and other intelligence-related activities.
Cyber Crime
As technology continues to advance, cybercrime has become a significant threat. The FBI investigates and combats cyber threats, including hacking, identity theft, and other internet-related crimes.
Public Corruption
The FBI investigates and prosecutes public officials who engage in corrupt activities, including bribery, fraud, and abuse of power. Their goal is to maintain the integrity of public institutions and hold those accountable for their actions.
Civil Rights
The FBI enforces federal civil rights laws and investigates hate crimes, police misconduct, and other violations of civil liberties. They work to ensure equal protection under the law for all individuals.
Organized Crime
The FBI targets organized criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking organizations, criminal syndicates, and gangs. They disrupt and dismantle these groups to reduce violence and protect communities.
White-Collar Crime
White-collar crimes, such as fraud, insider trading, and embezzlement, are a focus of the FBI. They investigate these crimes committed by individuals and organizations and hold them accountable for their actions.
Violent Crime
The FBI investigates a wide range of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, and assault. They work to apprehend dangerous criminals and seek justice for the victims.
WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction)
The FBI is responsible for preventing and responding to threats involving weapons of mass destruction, including chemical, biological, and radiological materials. They work to protect public safety and national security.
In conclusion, the FBI in Denver is urging the public to be aware of a phone number impersonation scam. Scammers are using spoofed FBI phone numbers to deceive victims and coerce them into transferring money. It is important to stay vigilant, verify calls from the FBI, and never share personal information with unsolicited callers. Reporting scams to the FBI is crucial in helping law enforcement track down and apprehend the scammers. The FBI also provides various resources and assistance to victims of crimes and works tirelessly to investigate and combat terrorism, cybercrime, and other forms of criminal activity.