York County Sheriff warns of FBI impersonation scam
Scammers pose as FBI agents to take money or sensitive personal information from residents. A local sheriff's office has warned that this scam is active in its area.
How it works
The contact comes from someone claiming to be an FBI agent, usually by phone, and may arrive by email or text as well. The caller uses the authority of a federal agency to make the target feel pressure or fear. The caller then asks the target to send money or to share personal or financial details.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller claims to be an FBI agent out of the blue
- Caller demands money or payment to resolve a problem
- Caller asks for bank, card, or Social Security numbers
- Caller pressures you to act immediately or keep it secret
- Caller refuses to let you hang up and call back
What to do
Do not send money, gift cards, or personal details to anyone who contacts you claiming to be from the FBI. Hang up, then call the FBI directly using the number listed on fbi.gov or your local field office, not a number the caller gave you. Report the contact at ic3.gov and to your local sheriff's office.
If this reached you
Source: WJZY Queen City News . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.