Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials in Fraud Schemes
Scammers call, text, or email pretending to be law enforcement or government officials. They accuse you of a crime, unpaid jury duty, or an expiring license, then demand immediate payment.
How it works
You receive an unsolicited call, text, or email from someone claiming to be a law enforcement or government official. They spoof a real agency's phone number or email address. The scammer accuses you of a crime, missed court date, jury duty violation, or expiring license, and threatens arrest, fines, or revocation. They demand payment via prepaid card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash, often keeping you on the phone and telling you not to hang up or tell anyone.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller claims you committed a crime or violated court orders and demands immediate payment
- They refuse to let you hang up or speak to anyone else
- They demand payment by prepaid card, wire, crypto, or cash
- Phone number or email looks official but caller refuses verification
- Urgent, aggressive tone with threats of arrest or license revocation
- They tell you not to contact family, friends, or your bank
What to do
Do not send money or give personal information. Hang up immediately and call the agency directly using a phone number or website you find yourself (not from the caller). If you gave money, contact your bank or payment service right away. Report the scam to IC3 at www.ic3.gov and to your local police department. Do not click any links or download files from the scammer.
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Show Scam Sentinel the text, email, link, or call. It tells you in plain language what looks wrong or right, why, and the one thing to do next. A second opinion before you tap, pay, or pick up.
Source: FBI IC3. Scam Sentinel summarizes official guidance in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.