Phone scammers are getting even gutsier.
The latest government impersonation scam is a doozy.
Scammers call and claim to be agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They give a fake name and badge number to increase their credibility.
Why are so many people falling for it?
The scammers have started spoofing the real FBI Headquarter’s phone number. When folks Google the caller ID, 202-324-3000, they see the number belongs to the FBI and panic.
What happens to victims?
It depends. Some scammers insist your Social Security number has been suspended. They claim to unlock it you must provide money over the phone via gift cards.
The victims who follow through get hung up on as soon as the transaction is complete. Their money is gone.
Other scammers threaten victims with physical or financial harm to get information. With personal information, these scammers can destroy your credit and empty your accounts.
The FBI issued a statement in response to the rampant misuse of their number by scammers. They suggested these tips for protecting yourself:
• Be wary of answering calls from numbers you don’t know.
• Don’t give out your banking information, Social Security number, or any other personal information. These things could help a scammer steal your identity.
• Don’t send gift cards or money to anyone you don’t personally know and trust.
• If you get a questionable phone call about Social Security, hang up and report the issue to the Office of the Inspector General at https://oig.ssa.gov/ .
Remember, the Social Security Administration won’t suspend your Social Security number, threaten you, demand cash, gift cards, wire transfers or pre-paid cards, or insist you pay immediately.