RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — There’s a new warning from the FBI about criminals pretending to be government officials. They are actually con artists who are trying to convince the would-be victims they are about to go to jail unless they pay up.
Imposter schemes aren’t new, but the FBI is warning about a resurgence of them in the last few weeks, with criminals pretending to be law enforcement or government officials.
These schemes have cost victims $2 billion between 2017 and 2022 according to the federal government.
“These criminals will often impersonate a government official or a large organization we trust —because it’s credibility,’’ said Alyssa Parker of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern North Carolina.
Sometimes the scheme involves a phony arrest warrant claiming you missed jury duty. Other times the call is claiming they are from the IRS looking for unpaid taxes — or say they are a federal agent looking for you because you have defrauded social security.
There are many variations on the schemes, says the BBB, but they all have one thing in common — they want your money.
“Government agencies will reach out through postal mail, they’re unlikely to contact you by phone, email or text, especially if it’s unsolicited,” said Parker.
Recently, victims reported that criminals have emailed or texted supposed copies of their official credentials and badges.
It’s especially common with Social Security…
