F.I Cautions iPhone and Android

The FBI has issued a warning to iPhone and Android users about a new, highly convincing phone scam. Scammers are using “caller ID spoofing” to make it appear as if calls are coming from trusted sources like banks, police departments, or government agencies. Victims are often told they’ve missed jury duty or that their bank accounts are at risk, with scammers demanding immediate payments via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These tactics are designed to create panic, causing people to act quickly without thinking.

The FBI advises hanging up immediately if you receive such a call and never sharing personal or financial information. Even pressing buttons during these calls can signal that your number is active, increasing your risk of future scams. Additionally, scam texts are on the rise, often containing links that can steal your data. Always verify claims directly with the official source using contact info from their websites, not the message or call itself. Reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement and the FBI’s IC3 can help protect others. Staying alert and sharing this information can prevent more people from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.