FBI Warns of Impersonation Scams

What you should know:

• These communications can sound highly professional, may spoof legitimate phone numbers, and sometimes include personal details.
• Some even use the real names of FBI agents or local officials to appear legitimate when searched online. The goal, however, is to steal money or sensitive information.
• Remember that government officials will never contact people out of the blue to seek payment in any form or ask them to wire money, send cryptocurrency, or purchase gift cards or gold.

What you should do:

• Avoid engaging with anyone who unexpectedly contacts you claiming to be a local, state, or federal agency official.
• If the message seems like it could be legitimate, contact the agency directly using a verified phone number from its official website.
• If you shared personal information and feel it was part of a scam, go to IdentityTheft.gov for step-by-step guidance on protecting yourself — or recovering — from identity fraud.