The FBI has reissued a public warning as a sophisticated phone scam — where fraudsters impersonate federal agents and threaten arrest — continues to spread rapidly across the United States.
The scheme, first flagged in June, involves scammers “spoofing” legitimate FBI phone numbers to deceive victims into believing they are in legal trouble. The end goal? To pressure people into handing over money or sensitive information under the false pretense of avoiding arrest or criminal charges.
“Victims are tricked into thinking an arrest is imminent unless they send money,” the FBI’s Cleveland office posted on June 2. Echoing that warning, the FBI’s Nashville branch wrote, “The FBI will never call you demanding money to get out of criminal charges. It’s a scam. Hang up and visit ic3.gov to file a report.”
Despite the warnings, the scam has not only persisted — it’s expanded.
According to Forbes, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) have now joined forces with the FBI in sounding the alarm, urging Americans to be on high alert.
In a public statement, the ATF confirmed it is “working with the FBI” on an active investigation into the scam.
“The public is urged to exercise caution and avoid sharing personal or financial information with unsolicited callers,” the agency warned.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Marshals were blunt in their message:
“The USMS will NEVER call you to collect money or resolve a court case. Hang up and call your local FBI office.”
The scam appears to be evolving and taking root at the local level as well. In New York, state police recently issued an alert about an “ongoing phone spoofing scam,” warning that scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers and government employees in an effort to extract personal data from unsuspecting citizens.
“Phone number spoofing is a tactic commonly used by scammers to make it appear as if calls are coming from trusted agencies,” the New York State Police said.
“These scams are designed to create confusion and fear, often leading victims to comply with demands or reveal sensitive information that can later be used for financial fraud or identity theft.”
The FBI has identified multiple variations of the scam operating in states like New York, Illinois, and Virginia. While the tactics may vary, the core strategy is the same: exploit fear through intimidation.
Scammers may cite missed court appearances, use real names of local officers, or even mention ongoing investigations to give the illusion of legitimacy.
In some instances, the scam takes an unexpected form. The Chesapeake Police Department in Virginia reported cases of scammers asking to borrow someone’s cell phone — only to use it to transfer money or steal data.
To help protect the public, the New York State Police have released a checklist on how to respond if you receive a suspicious phone call:
Do not provide personal or financial information under any circumstances.
Never send money, gift cards, or bank details in response to threats or claims of arrest.
Hang up immediately if the call feels suspicious or aggressive.
Save any voicemails or call logs from the suspected scammer.
Verify the caller by contacting the agency directly through an official, trusted number.
Federal officials stress that no legitimate law enforcement agency will demand money over the phone, especially under the threat of arrest or legal action.
If you believe you’ve been targeted, you’re encouraged to file a report at www.ic3.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
As these scams grow more sophisticated, authorities say public awareness is the first — and best — line of defense.