The FBI issued a nationwide warning this week, urging smartphone users to delete specific scam text messages and emails after reporting them, as criminals increasingly impersonate federal law enforcement officials to steal money and personal information.
According to the bureau, attackers are posing as FBI special agents and using spoofed phone numbers, email addresses, and realistic-looking messages that appear to originate from legitimate FBI accounts and official government systems.
The FBI said scammers are attempting to extort victims or obtain personally identifiable information by creating messages that falsely claim to involve investigations, warrants, fines, or urgent legal consequences requiring immediate action.
Federal officials warned that even the contact information displayed in these scam messages may appear authentic, making it difficult for recipients to distinguish fraudulent communications from real government correspondence.
The bureau said impersonation schemes targeting law enforcement agencies are not new, noting that previous attacks have falsely directed victims to fake versions of the Internet Crime Complaint Center reporting website.
Other federal agencies, as well as state and local law enforcement departments, have also been affected by similar impersonation campaigns, according to federal investigators.
The FBI emphasized that government agencies will never contact individuals by phone, email, text message, or social media to request money, demand payment, or ask for sensitive personal information, per Forbes.
Officials urged the public to resist pressure to act quickly, pause before responding, and independently verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from law enforcement.
The FBI said urgency is a primary tactic used by scammers, often combined with threats of arrest, asset seizure, or legal penalties designed to prevent victims from questioning the message.
Authorities advised users to report scam messages and then delete them from their devices regardless of the specific language, threat, or promise contained in the communication.
The bureau noted that spoofing phone numbers, forging email addresses, and creating realistic websites have become easier for criminals due to advances in automation and artificial intelligence technology.
Recent FBI alerts have also warned that artificial intelligence is being used to generate deep fake audio, images, and videos impersonating familiar or trusted individuals to defraud victims.
Cybersecurity researchers cited by federal officials reported that deep, fake-related fraud losses reached $1.1 billion last year, increasing sharply from $360 million in 2024.
If an impersonation attempt occurs through a phone call, the FBI advises individuals to be wary of unsolicited communications, refuse to provide personal information or money, and hang up immediately if something feels suspicious.
The FBI said public awareness and caution remain the most effective defenses as criminals continue exploiting trust in government institutions to carry out increasingly sophisticated digital scams.
