The FBI warns smartphone users to be vigilant against scam calls impersonating law enforcement agencies

ChainCatcher news, according to Forbes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently issued a warning, alerting smartphone users to a nationwide scam in which fraudsters impersonate FBI and other law enforcement personnel to trick victims into sending money.

The scammers use "spoofing" technology to disguise their phone numbers as that of the FBI, falsely claiming that victims will be arrested unless they pay immediately. The FBI has made it clear that the agency will never ask the public to pay money over the phone to avoid criminal charges.

This type of scam has become a global industry, with scammers using intimidation tactics to demand that victims pay via prepaid cards, wire transfers, cash mailed, or cryptocurrency ATMs. The FBI advises that if you receive such a call, you should hang up immediately and report it at IC3.gov.