There’s a fresh scam making the rounds, and the FBI is urging smartphone users to be extra cautious.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.
The scam can be quite convincingGetty Images
This scam works by impersonating trusted sources such as tech support, banks, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or even local police departments.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.
Scammers thrive on creating a sense of urgency. They pressure victims into making quick decisions, often before they have time to think things through.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.
The scammers can be convincingGetty Images
The FBI’s advice is simple: if you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from a bank, police department, or government agency, hang up immediately.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.
Authorities stress that real police officers will never call and demand money. However, scammers have been known to use real officers’ names and fake caller ID numbers to make the call appear genuine.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.
A new phone scam is making the rounds, and authorities are warning people to stay alert
