Scams rising that pressure victims to share personal data under legal threats
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a nationwide warning to iPhone and Android users about a surge in phone scams aimed at pressuring victims into sending money, Forbes reported.
According to the alert, scammers are spoofing official FBI phone numbers and impersonating federal agents. “Victims are tricked into thinking an arrest is imminent unless they send money,” the FBI stated. “The FBI will never call you demanding money to avoid criminal charges. It’s a scam. Hang up and report it to ic3.gov.”
The fraud relies on caller ID spoofing to appear credible. Scammers typically use a threatening tone and instruct victims to stay silent—often telling them not to alert family, friends, or banks.
Their tactics have also expanded. In addition to posing as federal agents, scammers now impersonate bank fraud investigators, charity workers, or court officials demanding payment for missed jury duty. Payment requests may involve prepaid cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency ATMs, or even physical cash delivered via courier.
The New York State Police has echoed the FBI’s warning, citing a rise in similar scams that pressure victims to share personal information like Social Security numbers under threat of legal consequences.
To protect yourself, the FBI urges:
Hang up immediately on suspicious calls.
Never share personal or financial details.
US users can report scams at www.ic3.gov.
Verify any claims by directly contacting the relevant agency via official channels.
If you’ve already shared sensitive information or made a payment, secure your accounts and notify your bank immediately.
“Scams are relentless,” an FBI spokesperson told Forbes, “but awareness and quick action can stop them.”
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