FBI Warns of Dangerous New Phone Scam Targeting Android and iPhone Users
The FBI is raising alarms over a new and particularly deceptive scam that’s been spreading rapidly, targeting both Android and iPhone users. While scam calls have been around for a long time, this latest one is especially concerning because it uses sophisticated technology to make the scam appear incredibly legitimate. Many victims are being tricked into thinking they’re talking to trusted sources like technical help lines, banks, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or even their local police department.
What Makes This Scam So Dangerous?
The key to the scam is something called caller ID spoofing. This is when fraudsters manipulate the number that appears on your caller ID screen, making it look like it’s coming from a trusted institution. The scammer’s goal is to convince you that an urgent situation is unfolding—whether that’s a supposed fraud alert from your bank, a call from Customs or Border Protection, or even a warning that the police are about to arrest you.
In this scenario, the scammer attempts to get you to act quickly, often pressuring you into withdrawing money from your bank account or installing malicious software (malware) on your phone or device. This malware can steal your personal information, including credit card numbers, addresses, photos, and online shopping data.
The FBI emphasizes that this type of scam is particularly dangerous because it preys on people’s fear and sense of urgency, making them more likely to act before they can fully think through the situation.
Scam Techniques: What to Look Out For
The scammers often present themselves as professionals—either claiming to be from a tech support team, law enforcement, or other official organizations. They might say something like, “Your account has been compromised, and we need your help,” or even claim that you missed jury duty or have a warrant out for your arrest, and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest. These types of threats create panic, leading you to make hasty decisions without verifying the situation.
Some scammers go even further by spoofing the names of real police officers or government agencies. This makes the scam even harder to identify since the call seems like it’s coming from someone you trust, but as the FBI points out, this doesn’t happen in real life. Law enforcement agencies never demand money over the phone, and they certainly wouldn’t threaten you with arrest or demand you to pay to avoid criminal charges.
The Risk of Malware and QR Code Scams
Another part of this scam involves QR codes—seemingly innocent codes that you can scan with your phone. Unfortunately, these codes can be used to infect your phone with malware. This malware can give scammers access to your sensitive information, including bank account details, phone numbers, and even photos. The FBI has issued strong warnings about this, advising you never to scan random QR codes from unknown sources.
What to Do If You Receive One of These Calls
The FBI and other government agencies like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have issued detailed guidelines to help people avoid falling victim to these types of scams:
- Hang Up: If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from the police, your bank, or any other organization demanding money, hang up immediately. It’s important to remember that no reputable agency will ask you for money or personal information over the phone.
- Verify the Call: If the call seems to come from a legitimate source, such as the police or a government agency, call them back directly using a phone number from their official website or other trusted sources. Do not call back the number shown on your caller ID.
- Report the Scam: If you receive a call that seems suspicious, report it to the local authorities or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This helps officials track and combat these scams before more people fall victim to them.
- Never Share Personal Information: Be cautious of anyone who asks for your personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers. Legitimate organizations will never ask for such information via phone.
- Educate Others: Help spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues about this growing threat, especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to phone scams.
A Nationwide Issue: Scammers Pretend to Be Law Enforcement
This scam has been affecting individuals across the United States, including Virginia, New York, and beyond. As reported by Forbes, multiple police departments have received complaints from people claiming they were contacted by scammers pretending to be law enforcement officers, demanding money to avoid arrest or legal action. In one common scheme, the caller says that the victim missed a court date or jury duty, and must pay immediately to avoid being jailed.
The CBP has also issued similar warnings about scammers posing as customs officers, claiming to need personal information to investigate suspected illegal activity. As the CBP stated, they never ask for money or Social Security numbers over the phone, nor would they threaten individuals with arrest or financial penalties.
Protecting Yourself and Your Devices
Aside from avoiding scam phone calls, the FBI also recommends taking extra precautions to protect your devices from malware. This includes keeping your software updated, using strong passwords, and installing reputable antivirus software on your smartphone or computer.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant
While scam calls are not new, these sophisticated caller ID spoofing tactics make it harder for people to distinguish between a legitimate call and a scam. With the rise of technology, scammers have become more adept at exploiting our trust and creating scenarios that feel real and urgent.
The best defense against these types of scams is awareness. Always remain cautious when receiving unexpected phone calls or requests for money. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts, hang up, and double-check the information with the appropriate authorities.
By staying informed and following the FBI’s advice, we can protect ourselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.
