FBI Boston Warns New Englanders About Surge in Phone Scams

Rising Scam Phone Calls Targeting Americans

FBI officials in the New England region have issued a public warning about a significant increase in scam phone calls that impersonate law enforcement agencies. These fraudulent attempts are designed to trick individuals into revealing personal information or transferring money. The Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has highlighted the growing concern, noting that such scams have resulted in substantial financial losses across the country.

Last year alone, over 17,300 Americans reported being victims of scams where criminals posed as government or law enforcement officials. The total financial losses from these incidents exceeded $405 million. FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted E. Docks emphasized the importance of remaining cautious and not acting on impulse when receiving such calls.

“We've seen an increase in these scams, which is why we're reminding the public to resist the urge to act immediately and verify who is actually contacting you,” Docks said in a statement.

The FBI's Boston Division has identified scams that mimic the FBI and other government agencies as a persistent issue. These scams can also occur through email. A key message from federal officials is that law enforcement and federal agencies do not call individuals to threaten arrest or demand money. Scammers often use caller ID spoofing techniques to make their calls appear legitimate.

Docks pointed out that fraudsters are currently using fear and intimidation as tactics, noting that “nobody wants to be the subject of a law enforcement investigation.” His office advises anyone who believes they may have been targeted by a scam to immediately stop all communication with the scammers, notify their financial institutions, and secure any affected accounts.

According to the bureau, scam tactics evolve constantly but often share common traits, including intimidation, urgency, requests for cryptocurrency payments, and the use of secrecy or emergency situations to manipulate victims.

On Tuesday, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that 778 residents across New England had fallen victim to scams, resulting in nearly $13 million in financial losses. In Massachusetts, at least 507 residents lost over $9.5 million, while Rhode Island saw 67 victims lose approximately $147,880.

The FBI has made it clear that it will never contact individuals via phone or email to demand payment, threaten arrest, ask for money, or request sensitive personal data. It encourages people to keep all relevant documentation if they suspect they have been scammed.

“Do not send money to anybody you do not personally know and trust,” FBI officials stated. “Never give out your personal information, including your Social Security number, over the phone or to individuals you do not know,” they added.

In November of last year, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency warned about scams where fraudsters claimed to be federal CBP employees demanding money or other items from victims. The recent FBI advisement comes after reports of a steady increase in fraud related to quit claim deeds in the New England region.

Even if there is no financial loss, the federal government urges individuals to report all types of fraud schemes and scams to the Internet crime division. This helps in analyzing and addressing these threats to protect the public from future attacks.

Boston’s FBI division advises the public to contact its office at 857-386-2000 if they need to confirm contact from an actual federal employee or to file an internet crime report. Taking these steps can help prevent falling victim to increasingly sophisticated scams.