Scammers Pose as Police to Threaten Arrest for Money
Scammers are pretending to be police officers or federal agents and demanding money by threatening arrest, the FBI reports. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center says the scheme has generated more than $1.6 billion in losses from January 2025 through July 2026.
Victims typically receive a phone call in which the caller claims the person is under investigation for a crime, often citing a vague “money‑laundering” or “fraud” allegation. The impostor then warns of immediate arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment unless a payment is made, usually by wire transfer, prepaid card, or cryptocurrency. The threat is meant to create panic and force a quick, unverified payment.
The scam affects a broad range of people, from seniors who may be less familiar with law‑enforcement procedures to anyone with a credit history that could be linked to a supposed investigation. Because the callers use official‑sounding language and may even spoof caller ID to display a police or federal agency number, many recipients believe the warning is legitimate.
To avoid falling victim, do not share personal or financial information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Verify the claim by calling the official non‑emergency number of the police department or agency directly, using a number you find on their official website. Remember that law‑enforcement agencies never demand payment over the phone, and they will not threaten you with immediate arrest without a formal legal process.
ComputerScams.com offers free tools such as a caller‑ID lookup and a guide on how to report phone fraud. Using these resources can help you confirm whether a call is genuine and document the incident for law‑enforcement.
If you receive a threatening call, hang up and contact your local police department using a verified number. Report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Staying calm and checking facts before paying can stop the fraudsters in their tracks.
Source: Read the original report
Safety tip: Always verify any demand for money by contacting the agency directly on an official number before taking any action.