## FBI Issues Urgent Warning: Do Not Answer These Calls
updated on Nov.29 with new warnings about the surge in risky calls being made to citizens and additional advice on what to look out for.
You have been warned. The FBI has just issued a stark new warning as cyber criminals gain access to customer bank accounts, The bureau says these attackers have already stolen $262 million this year, with the threat likely to get worse over the holidays.
some of these attacks come at you by text or emailtricking you into sharing one-time passcodes or even your actual password. “The cyber criminal then uses login credentials to log into the legitimate financial institution website and initiate a password reset, ultimately gaining full control of the accounts.”
But the new advisory flags phone calls as the most serious risk. “Be suspicious of unknown ‘banking’ or ‘company’ employees who call you,” the FBI warns. “Don’t trust caller ID. Hang up,verify the correct number,and call it yourself. Companies generally do not contact you to ask for your username, password, or OTP.”
Apple Warns All iPhone Users: Do Not Take These Calls
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Apple has issued a stark warning to all iPhone users: do not answer calls from unknown numbers,especially if they display caller ID spoofing or request personal information. This comes amid a surge in refined phone scams targeting individuals across the United States, with the FBI issuing its own urgent alert about account takeover attacks.
The FBI warns that cybercriminals are increasingly impersonating financial institutions – banks, credit unions, and even investment firms – to trick people into revealing their account details.these scammers often use convincing tactics, including mimicking official phone numbers and employing social engineering to build trust. The advice is simple: do not engage. Hang up promptly.If you are concerned about your account, contact the company directly through official channels, or log in to your account via the official app.
This isn’t limited to financial institutions. Scammers are also impersonating government agencies, including the FBI itself, and local law enforcement. Several U.S. police forces are warning residents about scams where criminals falsely claim to be police deputies, using the names of real officers to appear legitimate.
According to a recent Bitdefender survey, 1 in 7 consumers fell victim to a scam in the past year, with delivery/shipping fraud and credential phishing/account takeover being the most common. While social media is a primary vector for these attacks, a notable 25% now happen over the phone.
The common thread across all these scams is the attempt to elicit personal information or gain access to your accounts. Apple, like Google and other tech giants, emphasizes the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any request for sensitive data. Remember, legitimate organizations will never ask for your password, security codes, or other confidential information over the phone.
Beware of Impersonation Scams: The FBI and FTC Warn of Arrest Threats
The Federal Bureau of Examination (FBI) and the Federal trade Commission (FTC) are warning the public about a surge in impersonation scams where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials to extort money from victims. These scams frequently enough involve aggressive tactics and threats of arrest if immediate payment isn’t made.
How the Scams Work
Scammers typically contact individuals by phone, claiming to be law enforcement officers. They allege the victim has committed a crime – often unspecified – and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest. They frequently request payment through methods that are tough to trace, such as cash, Bitcoin atms, gift cards, or money transfer apps. The FTC and FBI emphasize that legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment in these ways.
According to the FBI, scammers employ intimidation tactics, refusing to speak with anyone other than the targeted victim and urging them to keep the situation secret from family, friends, and financial institutions. This isolation tactic is designed to prevent victims from seeking help or verifying the legitimacy of the claims.
Recognizing the Red Flags
It’s crucial to be aware of the warning signs of these scams. Here’s what to look out for:
- Threats of Arrest: Real law enforcement officers will not call to threaten arrest, especially not in exchange for payment.
- Demands for Specific Payment Methods: Legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment via cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, payment apps, or wire transfer services.
- Pressure and Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency and pressure victims to act quickly without thinking.
- Refusal to Provide Details: Scammers may be vague about the alleged crime or refuse to provide official documentation.
- caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a legitimate law enforcement agency’s number.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding payment,follow these steps:
- Hang up Immediately: Do not engage with the caller.
- Verify Independently: If you are concerned about a potential legal issue, independently verify the information by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency directly using a publicly available phone number. Find your state and local government contacts here.
- Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information with the caller.
- Report the Scam: Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and the FBI’s internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov.
Recent reports highlight the increasing sophistication of these scams. For example, Forbes recently reported on security concerns leading Israel’s IDF to ban Android phones in favor of iPhones, demonstrating the broader landscape of digital security threats.
Key Takeaways
- Never pay money to someone who threatens you with arrest over the phone.
- Legitimate law enforcement will not demand payment through unconventional methods.
- Always verify information independently before taking action.
- Report any suspicious calls to the FTC and FBI.
As scam tactics evolve, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. By understanding the red flags and knowing how to respond, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.
Published: 2025/11/29 09:45:01