FBI warns of scam targeting victims with fake hospitals and police
The FBI has issued a warning about a rise in scams where fraudsters are impersonating doctors, police officers, and banks using spoofed numbers. In addition, there has been a surge in “smishing” texts impersonating toll agencies and delivery services across the nation. These scams are becoming increasingly elaborate, with one scheme involving scammers posing as hospital staff claiming that victims’ identities are linked to Chinese crime rings. The scammers then transfer calls to fake police officers who demand wire transfers, complete with fake IDs and encrypted app requests.
In some cases, scammers are targeting previous fraud victims through social media groups. They create fake profiles, such as “Jaime Quin,” who promise fund recovery in order to steal more data from unsuspecting victims. With the advancement of AI and deepfake technologies, these scams are becoming harder to spot, making it crucial for individuals to be vigilant in protecting themselves.
The FBI has outlined several critical defenses to help individuals protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. First and foremost, it is important to stay calm and not let emotions cloud judgment when faced with a potential scam. Avoid contacting unknown numbers that appear in pop-ups, unsolicited texts, or emails, as these could be scammers trying to trick you into sharing personal information or making payments. Additionally, do not download software at the request of unknown individuals, as this can introduce malware or give scammers access to your personal information.
It is also advised not to allow unknown individuals access to your computer, as granting remote access can compromise your security. Do not click on unsolicited pop-ups, links, or email attachments, as these could contain malicious software. Having strong antivirus software installed on all devices can help protect against malware and phishing scams.
Furthermore, individuals should never send money or valuables to strangers, as scammers often pressure victims for untraceable payments. Consider using identity theft protection services to monitor personal information across credit reports, the dark web, and public records. If targeted by scammers impersonating trusted entities, it is important to stop all communication immediately, report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, notify financial institutions, and file a police report.
As scams become more sophisticated, skepticism and proactive security measures are essential in protecting oneself from falling victim to fraud. By staying informed and following these guidelines, individuals can better safeguard their personal information and finances from scammers.
