FBI Urges Smartphone Users: Avoid Answering These Calls

The FBI has issued an urgent warning to smartphone users about the risks of answering suspicious phone calls. With cyber criminals increasingly targeting individuals, these attacks have stolen an alarming $262 million this year alone. As the holiday season approaches, the potential for such scams is expected to rise.

Identifying the Risks of Phone Scams

Scammers often impersonate bank or company employees in their attempts to gain access to personal and financial information. The FBI suggests that users should be wary of any phone calls from unknown numbers that seem to request sensitive information.

Key Advice from the FBI

• Do not trust Caller ID. Scammers can spoof numbers to appear legitimate.
• Hang up immediately if asked for your username, password, or one-time passcodes (OTP).
• Verify the caller by contacting the institution directly using a known number.

How Scams Occur

Cyber criminals may contact victims through various means, including text messages and phishing emails. They may trick victims into providing login credentials or access to their bank accounts. Once they have this information, criminals can reset passwords and gain control over the accounts.

Some common tactics used in these scams include:

• Creating a false sense of urgency to prompt quick action.
• Using fake websites that appear above legitimate ones in online search results.

According to the FBI, once scammers gain access to accounts, they can quickly transfer funds to criminal-controlled accounts, many of which are linked to cryptocurrency.

Preventative Measures

If you suspect you’ve been targeted or have shared personal information, take immediate action. Contact your bank and change your online passwords. The FBI recommends reporting any fraudulent transactions to both your financial institution and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov.

Be Wary of Impersonation Scams

In addition to financial scams, the FBI warns about impersonation calls from individuals posing as law enforcement officers. These scammers often threaten victims with arrest unless they pay a fine through unconventional means like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Final Recommendations

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides clear guidance: if you receive such calls, hang up and call back using a publicly available number. Remember, legitimate law enforcement officers will not threaten arrest or demand payment over the phone.

This awareness can help protect your financial security during a time when scams are on the rise. Stay cautious and informed to avoid becoming a victim.