FBI warns public about spoofing scam

(WWBT) - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning the public about government impersonation fraud scams in honor of National Consumer Protecting Week.

The FBI says one of the most prevalent scams is spoofing, which is when criminals try to call potential victims using what number appears on the caller ID. In some cases, scammers are using numbers for the FBI or another governmental agency.

The callers introduce themselves as federal employees and then attempt to obtain personal information by using threats, fear, or demanding money to prevent charges or arrest.

Here are some tips:

Never give personal information to someone you did not call
Limit the information you post online, including social media
Be suspect if the caller requests payment via a third-party
Before signing up for a contest or email distribution list, make sure the business has a policy to not share or sell your information to a third-party
Educate yourself
Report suspicious activity to authorities and to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center

The FBI does not call people requesting money, and they do not send photographs of credentials or badges.

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