The FBI has recently issued an important warning to iPhone and Android users about a sophisticated new phone scam that is becoming more common and dangerous.
These scams are not just targeting the elderly or the uninformed—they’re so cleverly designed that even cautious, tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to them. The FBI’s alert emphasizes that if you receive a suspicious call that includes high-pressure tactics, threats, or unusual sounds, the best course of action is to hang up immediately. These calls are often aimed at stealing personal information, draining bank accounts, or gaining access to sensitive data. What makes this new scam particularly alarming is how real it appears. Scammers have started using a technique called “caller ID spoofing,” which allows them to fake the number that appears on your screen, making it look like the call is coming from a trusted source.
They might make it seem as though it’s your local police department, your bank, or even a government office like the IRS or Social Security Administration. In some instances, they’ve gone so far as to use the real names of law enforcement officers to make the call sound even more credible. Imagine getting a call that shows up on your phone as your local police department. When you answer, the person on the line says you missed jury duty or have a warrant out for your arrest. Or perhaps they claim your bank account has been compromised and needs immediate attention.
Then, they pressure you to send money through a wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to “resolve” the issue right away. This tactic is specifically designed to scare people into acting quickly and irrationally, bypassing their better judgment. To help the public identify these scams, the FBI has provided a few key warning signs. Any demand for immediate payment—especially through nontraditional methods like gift cards or crypto—is a clear indication that the call is not legitimate. No real agency or reputable company will ask for personal or financial information without prior written notice or official verification. Another common trick used by scammers is to claim you’ve missed a court appearance or failed to respond to an official notice. They’ll say that unless you act immediately, legal action will be taken against you. The FBI stresses that even if the caller ID looks real, you should still hang up.
If the call is truly important, the actual agency or company will follow up using official methods like mail, secure online portals, or in-person visits. One crucial point to remember is never to press any buttons on your phone if prompted during these calls. Doing so can confirm to scammers that your number is active, which may result in more scam attempts in the future. If you do receive a call like this, the first step is to hang up and avoid engaging with the caller. Then, contact the organization the caller claimed to represent using contact details from their official website—not the number that appeared on your phone. It’s also important to report the incident to your local law enforcement and file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). These reports help track scam trends and alert others about similar schemes. In addition to phone scams, the FBI is warning about the rising number of scam text messages. These texts often claim that you owe money for things like unpaid tolls or minor fees and include a link to resolve the issue. However, clicking the link can lead to identity theft or financial loss, as the site may harvest your personal data. As a general rule, never click on links in unsolicited text messages or provide personal information through unexpected calls or texts. If something doesn’t feel right, pause and verify it through official channels before responding. Staying informed is the best defense against scams like these. The FBI advises all users, regardless of their device, to remain alert and skeptical of any communication that pressures them into giving up information or sending money. No legitimate business, government agency, or police department will ever make these kinds of demands by phone or text without official documentation. By staying alert, refusing to engage, reporting suspicious calls and texts, and spreading the word to friends and family, you can help stop scammers in their tracks and protect yourself and others from falling victim to these increasingly dangerous schemes.
