FBI Warns: Beware of Scammers Pretending to Be Agents and Demanding Money in South Florida

The FBI is alerting people in South Florida about an increase in fraud cases where crooks pretend to be government officials.

The FBI reports that numerous such scams include individuals claiming to be federal officers who direct their targets to remit "settlement" funds to aid law enforcement in probing a financial institution.

The FBI indicates that these calls are scams. If someone becomes a victim, they should terminate the call and contact 911 right away.

Agencies are cautioning everyone that they do not make intimidating phone calls or send threatening emails asking for money as part of some scheme leading to a federal probe.

See also: The Martin County police dog discovered blocks of cocaine inside a convicted drug smuggler's sport utility vehicle.

Thieves employ deception by posing as police officers or officials to disorient and intimidate their targets so they make hasty decisions," explained Supervisory Special Agent Michael Brown. "Should you encounter such a call, simply disconnect immediately and inform the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.GOV) about the incident." According to the IC3 report published earlier this week for 2024, people in Florida documented 1,579 instances of impersonation fraud resulting in losses exceeding $12 million.

Authorities state that numerous fraudsters manipulate caller ID details to create the impression that their calls originate from a government agency or Washington D.C.

If anyone believes they have fallen prey to this or another internet scam, they should promptly file a report at ic3.gov.

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