(NewsNation) — The FBI has issued a warning following a series of reports to its Newark field office that criminals are contacting potential victims by spoofing actual federal agency field numbers and impersonating real agents. The reports allege the criminals are posing as U.S. Secret Service, F.B.I., and D.E.A. agents to gain access to victims’ information and extort them for money.
“One fraudster even used an online virtual meeting platform and staged the background to resemble an FBI office, complete with a desk, an FBI seal, and a man in a suit,” the warning reads.
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Criminals have long impersonated federal officials to gain victims’ trust and access to personal information and/or funds, but this is a new tactic. By using the names of actual agents, the criminals make it increasingly difficult for victims and agencies to identify scams. When a victim contacts the agency looking to confirm the identity, the agency is likely to provide that confirmation, according to the Bureau.
How can you protect yourself?
The FBI advises that people do not send money to anyone who claims to be a federal law enforcement agent. People should reach out to the agencies themselves to verify the identity of the alleged agent and explain that they suspect they may be a target. If the person uses a virtual meeting platform, victims should record or take videos and submit the evidence to tips.fbi.gov.
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If a person is unable to get in contact with the agency, they are advised to contact the main office in Washington D.C.. Victims can also call 1-800-CALL-FBI to speak with a real representative…