It all started with a phone call, scammers are trying to steal people’s bank accounts. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States has issued a warning to iPhone and Android phone users about a series of new fraudulent activities putting bank accounts and personal data at risk.
According to the Daily Mail, federal officials say that if smartphone users receive this specific type of call, they should hang up immediately, as scammers are impersonating others.
This new scam is more sophisticated than previous fraudulent calls as scammers are using “spoofing” caller ID technology to impersonate banks and law enforcement agencies from across the country, with some even pretending to be members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Federal officials explained that once victims start conversing with these fake representatives, scammers will coerce them into transferring money to the organizations they pretend to represent.
Scammers may also deceive victims into installing malicious software on their phones, putting their personal data at risk.
The police on Long Island, New York stated, “Detectives have noted at least three incidents, where a caller claiming to be a member of the Suffolk County Police Department contacted a resident by phone, claiming the resident is facing an arrest warrant and demanding payment.”
FBI officials added that anyone receiving such calls should avoid disclosing any personal information to the caller, refrain from pressing any buttons on their phone, and simply end the call immediately.
The FBI and federal authorities also warn iPhone and Android users to be cautious of a new text message scam designed to trick drivers into paying fake tolls.
Officials from the Federal Trade Commission wrote in a statement that scammers impersonate toll agencies, sending text messages demanding money. “Fraudulent texts may show the amount you owe and include a link that takes you to a page to input your bank or credit card information, but this is a type of online phishing scam.”
FBI recommends users to avoid clicking on any unsolicited pop-up windows or links sent through text or email. Additionally, users should not download or open any attachments included in these messages.
Being asked to download and install any type of software is another significant red flag, and users should never do this under any circumstances.