NORFOLK, Va. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is putting a warning out that phone scammers are targeting Hampton Roads residents by pretending to be local agents.
The FBI says it has received numerous reports that someone would claim to be a local FBI agent over the phone, using a fake name and badge number to try and trick the victim into believing the call is legitimate.
The incoming phone call is spoofed on Caller ID as the phone number for the FBI's Norfolk Field Office (757-455-0100).
The fake agent typically claims there are criminal charges against the victim and offers to provide assistance in resolving the matter. The scammer then tries to obtain personal or financial information from the victim.
John Clarke, a special agent for FBI Norfolk, said the scam was first reported to them late last week.
“During the course of the conversation, they are relaying that the receiver of the call that they're under criminal investigation. They’re aware of some type of criminal conduct and in our particular instances, the person is saying that they can help them,” said Clarke.
He added, “They're looking for anything they can leverage to further their criminal scheme.”
Clarke said the scheme is intended to acquire someone’s personal information, such as birth dates, social security, and bank account numbers. They'll even try to get the person to hand over money.
Clarke said the scam is common throughout the U.S., but this is the first time it affects the FBI Norfolk.
“It’s an easy thing, it's relatively low tech, anybody can do it and if they hit 1,000 people by phone even if they get a one percent return rate on identifiable information or money, then that return is worth their time,” said Clarke.
The FBI says these calls are fraudulent and that the recipient should hang up immediately and report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
More information about government impersonation and other online fraud schemes can be found on the FBI's website.