In a nationwide advisory, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has cautioned smartphone users against a surge in fraudulent activities where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials. The agency has instructed individuals to report and subsequently delete scam text messages and emails that falsely claim to originate from the FBI or other official government entities.
The FBI's alert comes in response to an uptick in schemes where attackers use spoofed phone numbers, forged email addresses, and convincing messages that mimic genuine FBI correspondence. These communications often include threats of investigations, warrants, and legal consequences, pressuring recipients to provide personal information or make payments ostensibly to avoid punitive action.
Officials have indicated that these impersonation tactics are not limited to the FBI; similar campaigns have targeted other federal agencies and local law enforcement departments. Past incidents have directed victims to counterfeit versions of official websites, like the Internet Crime Complaint Center, further complicating the detection of these fraudulent schemes.
According to the bureau, the authenticity of the contact information displayed in these scam messages can make it challenging for individuals to discern them from real government correspondence. The FBI has stressed that legitimate government agencies do not solicit money or sensitive personal details through unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, or social media.
Scammers often employ a sense of urgency combined with threats of arrest, asset seizure, or legal penalties to deter victims from scrutinizing the legitimacy of the message. The FBI advises the public to resist the pressure to act hastily, to pause before responding, and to independently verify any unexpected communication purporting to be from law enforcement.
Authorities have pointed out that advancements in automation and artificial intelligence have facilitated the creation of convincing spoofed phone numbers, fake email addresses, and realistic websites. The FBI has also issued warnings about the use of artificial intelligence to produce deep fake audio, images, and videos that impersonate trusted individuals, leading to substantial financial losses.
Cybersecurity experts, as cited by federal officials, have reported that fraud losses attributed to deep fake-related activities have escalated to $1.1 billion in the previous year, a stark increase from $360 million in 2024. In the event of an impersonation attempt via phone call, the FBI recommends individuals remain skeptical of unsolicited communications, refuse to provide personal information or funds, and hang up immediately if the call arouses suspicion.
The FBI emphasizes that public awareness and vigilance are pivotal in combating the exploitation of trust in government institutions. As criminals employ increasingly sophisticated methods to conduct digital scams, the bureau reiterates that caution is the most effective defense.
