Scammers Pose as Government Agents, Steal $9M in Massachusetts, FBI Reports

Federal Authorities Warn Massachusetts Residents About Scams Involving Imposters

Federal authorities have issued a warning to residents of Massachusetts, urging them to be cautious of scams where individuals pose as members of law enforcement or government agencies. These scammers often attempt to extort money or steal personal information from unsuspecting victims.

The FBI’s Boston Division reported an increase in the number of scam-related complaints in New England. Scammers typically use unsolicited phone calls to target people, pretending to be law enforcement officials. They often spoof caller ID information and employ intimidation tactics, such as threatening arrest or claiming that charges will be filed unless immediate payment is made.

“Law enforcement and federal agencies do not call individuals threatening arrest or demanding money,” the FBI emphasized in its statement. This is a critical point for residents to remember, as many people may be misled by these tactics.

According to the FBI, over 500 individuals in Massachusetts reported losing more than $9 million to such scams in 2024 alone. The FBI’s Boston Division, which covers Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, received 778 complaints with financial losses totaling $12,948,552.

“These fraudsters are capitalizing on fear and intimidation because nobody wants to be the subject of a law enforcement investigation,” said Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “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.”

The FBI noted that these scams are a persistent problem and can also occur through email. Residents are advised to look out for misspellings, missing words, or incorrect grammar in any correspondence that claims to be from law enforcement.

What the FBI Will Never Do

The FBI has outlined several actions that it will never take:

• Call or email private citizens to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal or sensitive information.
• Request payment via prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency ATMs to avoid arrest.
• Ask victims to liquidate assets into cash and/or purchase gold bars, silver, or other precious metals.
• Ask you to use large sums of your own money to help catch a criminal.
• Call you about “frozen” Social Security numbers or inheritances.

If anyone suspects they have been contacted by an actual FBI employee, they are urged to contact the Boston office at 857-386-2000 and ask to be connected directly.

Tips to Stay Safe

The FBI advises residents to be wary of answering phone calls from numbers they do not recognize. They also emphasize that no one should send money to someone they do not personally know and trust. It is crucial not to provide personal information, including Social Security numbers, over the phone or to individuals they do not know.

If someone believes they have fallen victim to a scam and suffered a financial loss, authorities recommend contacting local law enforcement to file a police report. Additionally, they should file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

By staying informed and vigilant, Massachusetts residents can better protect themselves from these deceptive practices and reduce the risk of becoming victims of fraud.