A new scam is threatening smartphone users, one so effective that the FBI has issued an urgent warning to iPhone and Android users across the country. Federal officials are advising to immediately hang up when receiving suspicious calls – it could compromise your bank accounts and personal data. Scammers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, and their methods of targeting unsuspecting victims can have devastating financial consequences.
The newest scam scheme represents a significant evolution in scamming, using caller ID “spoofing” to create a false image of legitimacy. Scammers can now disguise their numbers to look like trusted institutions like banks, technical support, or even law enforcement. This deceptive practice makes fraud even harder to detect, even for vigilant iPhone and Android users who screen their calls. The victims have reported getting calls from local police departments – using the actual names of officers for greater credibility (impersonating an officer is against the law).
Once the scammers get you talking, they use high-pressure tactics designed to create a false sense of urgency requiring immediate action. Lies like a compromised bank account or an outstanding arrest warrant are used that can, conveniently, only be resolved by an immediate transfer of funds. What makes the scam so effective is how fear and authority are leveraged to override the caution iPhone users usually exercise when being asked for money over the phone.
Read More: Chrome Update Marks the Start of Google Tracking Every Device You Use
How to Protect Your Device
There are several telltale signs that FBI agents have highlighted to show that you are dealing with scammers. Any demanding urgent payment should trigger immediate suspicion, no matter how convincing they may sound. Urgent payment can be done through your bank account, you should never give your personal information out over the phone. Another tactic involves callers saying you have missed either a court date or jury duty, and now there is a warrant that can only be resolved through immediate payment. For any unexpected calls, even if there is a legitimate caller ID, the FBI strongly advises ending the communication immediately.
Legitimate organizations will never request personal information, payment details, or funds transfers through surprise phone calls, and will especially not demand payment right then and there. Any caller requesting financial information or trying to pressure you to take immediate action is a scammer. No bank nor law enforcement agency does business that way, and any legitimate concerns would be sent through written communication or a request to visit a location in person, or will direct you to an official website. Additionally, it is best to not press any buttons during these calls, as that can be enough to tell scammers that they’ve found an active number and can send more scams your way.
Protective Measures Beyond Hanging Up
While immediately ending the call is the first step in protecting yourself, the FBI also recommends other measures for those who have already encountered these scams. If you think a scammer tried to contact you, reach out to the institution the scammer pretended to be from (using the phone number listed on their official website). Additionally, report the incident to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to help authorities track patterns and help protect other iPhone users from similar attacks.
With scams getting more sophisticated, iPhone users are reminded of the importance of digital vigilance. The FBI also warns of text message schemes of a similar nature: claiming you owe money for unpaid tolls or other similar fees. As with the phone scams, there is usually a hint of urgency and a suspicious link meant to steal your financial information and personal information. Approach all unsolicited communications with a healthy dose of skepticism and be sure to follow the FBI’s advice.
