FBI issues new warning over phone scam sweeping the US
In some cases, callers falsely claim a victim's Social Security number is frozen or that a loved one must pay for GPS monitoring to be released from jail, creating a false sense of urgency. The scam relies on phone number spoofing technology, which falsifies caller ID to make it appear as though the call is coming from trusted government agencies.
Federal agents say scammers are demanding thousands of dollars in payment via prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency ATMs. The US Marshals Service (USMS) clarified in a public alert: 'The USMS will NEVER call you to collect money or resolve a court case.' 'Hang up and report the call to your local FBI office,' the alert urged.
The FBI says the scam gained traction in June 2025, spreading across multiple states including New York, Illinois, and Virginia. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports callers demand gift cards in amounts of $500 or $1,000. 'You will not be asked to wire a 'settlement' to avoid arrest,' the ATF warned. Scammers, often using phone numbers from Martinsburg, West Virginia, tell victims they must pay to 'clear a red flag.'
Cybersecurity experts fear the scam tactics could evolve further, with the use of AI voice cloning or apps to impersonate officials even more convincingly. Variations of the scam are now appearing in nearly every state. The Chesapeake Police Department in Virginia reported scammers asking to borrow cell phones to transfer money or access private information. In Waterford, Michigan, police say callers use real officer names and ranks, demanding payment for missed jury appearances.
In May 2025, Prince George's County Police arrested two suspects posing as Federal Trade Commission (FTC) agents. They collected tens of thousands of dollars from a victim by falsely claiming Apple accounts had been compromised. The suspects reportedly visited the victim's home twice to retrieve cash, illustrating how far scammers will go. These arrests followed a grand jury indictment charging conspiracy to commit theft and related offenses.
Officials emphasize that while scam scripts change, the tactics remain the same: spoof trusted numbers and exploit panic to pressure victims into compliance. The New York State Police also issued alerts warning that calls threatening arrest unless victims provide Social Security numbers are fraudulent. They reminded the public that legitimate law enforcement will never make such demands by phone. Some scams have shifted to text-based 'smishing.' In June, the FBI warned iPhone users about fake DMV texts demanding payment for alleged traffic violations.
Reports of smishing attacks surged 773 percent, according to cybersecurity firm Guardio. Globally, Google's Global Anti-Scam Alliance reports scammers stole over $1 trillion in the past year. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission noted a 25 percent year-over-year rise in fraud-related financial losses as of March 2025. Experts warn this may be just the beginning. Cybersecurity researchers caution these scams will likely evolve further, potentially using AI voice cloning and malicious apps to impersonate officials with even greater sophistication.
There is also concern criminals could soon target smartphone voice assistants, cameras, or microphones, though no direct evidence of such attacks has emerged. Officials say victims not only lose thousands of dollars but are left anxious, shaken, and hesitant to trust legitimate law enforcement contacts. Experts call for advanced anti-spoofing tools at the telecom level and say scam education should be a core part of national cybersecurity efforts. For now, law enforcement advice remains simple and clear: 'If someone calls claiming to be an agent and demands money, hang up. Don't explain. Don't engage. Just hang up,' the FTC said.
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