The FBI is warning iPhone and Android users about a string of new scams that could put bank accounts and personal data at risk.
Federal officials say smartphone users should hang up immediately if they receive this specific type of call, in which the scammer is pretending to be someone they’re not.
The new scheme is more advanced than previous scam calls because scammers are using ‘spoof’ caller ID technology to impersonate banks and law enforcement agencies across the country.
Some of the fraudsters are reportedly even pretending to be members of US Customs and Border Protection.
Officials explain that once the victim starts talking with these phony agents, the scammer will pressure them into transferring money to the agency they’re pretending to represent.
The scammer may also dupe their victim into installing malware on their phone, putting their personal data in jeopardy.
The FBI warns that scam callers are now using ‘spoofing’ technology to impersonate banks, police departments, and federal agencies in order to steal money.
The FBI warns that a widespread texting scam is trying to fool people into thinking they owe unpaid driving tolls and fees – even if some recipients don’t have a car.
The scam is far-reaching and scammers could be pretending to be anyone, even members of your local police department.
Authorities on Long Island, New York said: ‘Detectives have been made aware of at least three incidents during which a resident was contacted by phone by a caller identifying themselves as a member of the Suffolk County Police Department who says the resident has a warrant for their arrest and for them to send money.’
FBI officials add that anyone receiving such a call should avoid giving out any personal information to the caller and don’t press any buttons on your phone – simply end the call immediately.
If you suspect a scammer tried to use this tactic on you, call the real organization the scammer was claiming to represent at their verified phone number.
Unfortunately, advanced new scam calls aren’t the only thing Americans have to worry about.
The FBI is also warning iPhone and Android users about a new texting scheme designed to trick drivers into paying bogus tolls.
The text messages claim recipients owe money due to unpaid tolls, like E-ZPass charges or other state road taxes.
However, this scheme is a lot sloppier than the one involving spoofed calls from government agencies.
The Federal Trade Commission (TFC) says this texting scam is trying to both steal smartphone users’ money while also phishing for their information, but the fraudsters are not being very selective with their targets.
Many of the recipients either don’t have a car or have no connection to the state the fake text messages are coming from.
I recently received such a text from a number that traces back to Atlanta, Georgia claiming I have unpaid E-Zpass bills.
Unfortunately for the scammer, I’ve never owned an E-ZPass and have never driven through Georgia, so the signs of a scam were clear from the start.
Plus, what government agency would put three emoji in a text message about unpaid fines?
FTC officials wrote in a statement, ‘Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money.’
‘The scammy text might show a dollar amount for how much you supposedly owe and include a link that takes you to a page to enter your bank or credit card info — but it’s a phishing scam,’ the agency continued.
