Callers pose as FTC staff and threaten to shut off your phone number, FTC warns

Scammers claiming to be from the FTC say your number is tied to fraud overseas, then hand you to a fake police officer who demands a payment.

In this brief: 4 sections 2 min read

- Caller says a phone in your name is linked to scams abroad and reads a fake badge ID
- Threatens to deactivate your number unless you cooperate
- Transfers you to a 'police officer' to file a report, asks for ID and personal details
- Ends with a fake arrest threat or a demand for a 'security deposit'
- If you hesitate, the caller may tell you to look up a police department's number and call it yourself. Scammers answer that call too, so it proves nothing. Look up the agency on your own and call from a different phone if you're unsure.
- Asks you to send money or connects you to someone who does
- Threatens to disconnect your phone
- Tells you to keep the conversation secret
- Texts a photo of an employee ID to prove who they are
- Hang up and don't give out your ID, Social Security number or bank details. Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you already paid, contact your bank or payment company right away.

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