Introduction to the Scam
The FBI is warning the public about the latest scam targeting elderly people, and they say it’s a nationwide trend, exemplified by a case in Pembroke Pines last week.
Police arrested a man who they say ripped off an 85-year-old man by first pretending to be a bank employee and then by posing as an FBI agent.
How the Scam Works
“It’s an old scam but with a different twist and recently we’ve seen a big uptick in bad guys pretending to be FBI agents,” said FBI Special Agent Zachariah Baldwin, who is based in Miramar.
According to Pembroke Pines Police, the alleged bad guy in their case persuaded the elderly man to withdraw a total of $55,000 from two different Wells Fargo branches. He did this in a series of calls, keeping the victim on the phone for hours at a time, using high-pressure sales tactics to get him to turn the money over to a supposed FBI agent.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Baldwin says that would never happen with a real law enforcement officer. “No, we typically, if we identify you as a victim, we’ll reach out during normal methods, but we’re not gonna ask the public or a citizen to hand over their bank account information to us or to send money in cash to us,” Baldwin said, pointing out the obvious red flag that anyone who is on the receiving end of a call or message like that should notice.
Statistics on Government Impersonation
According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, which was just released this week, there were more than 17,000 cases nationwide of government impersonation, defined as the criminal pretending to be a federal agent or law enforcement officer. Florida is behind only California and Texas in the number of incidents.
“Beware of someone claiming to be the FBI trying to get money from you,” Baldwin said.
Conclusion
The scam where individuals impersonate FBI agents to trick victims, especially the elderly, into handing over money is a serious and growing concern. It is crucial for the public to be aware of the tactics used by these scammers and to know that the FBI will never ask for money or bank account information over the phone. By being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, we can help protect ourselves and our communities from these scams.
FAQs
What is the most common method used by scammers impersonating FBI agents?
The scammers typically use high-pressure sales tactics over the phone, pretending to be FBI agents or bank employees, to convince victims to withdraw and hand over large sums of money.
How can I protect myself from being scammed by someone claiming to be an FBI agent?
Never give out your bank account information or send cash to someone claiming to be from the FBI. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be an FBI agent, hang up and contact your local FBI office to verify the authenticity of the call.
What should I do if I or someone I know has been a victim of this scam?
Report the incident to your local police department and the FBI immediately. Provide as much detail as possible about the scam, including any phone numbers or names used by the scammers.
