FBI claims fake cop scams are costing victims billions here's what to look
out for

Date:
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 01:35:00 +0000

Description:
FBI reports impersonating law enforcement and government officials has netted scammers around $1.6 billion since January 2025 but that is only based on reported cases, so the true figure could be much higher

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter $1.6 billion has been claimed
by scammers impersonating police and government officials The FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received almost 61,000 complaints concerning
such scams between January 2025 and July 2026 Some scams targeted foreign nationals and immigrants, threatening to cancel passports or impose extradition, unless payment is made Between January 2025 and July 2026, the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center received almost 61,000 complaints concerning scams using police and government official impersonation tactics. As a result, around $1.6 billion is believed to have been scammed and extorted.

Tactics used by scammers included unsolicited phone calls and in some cases video calls, with victims losing an average of $26,000 per scam. Particularly concerning is the targeting of foreign nationals, international students, and immigrant citizens, often with threats to cancel visas and home country passports. Incredibly, 10% of all losses were traced to a single scam, one that targeted fewer than 3% of the victims. Latest Videos From TechRadar
Watch full video here: Foreign national victims According to the FBI, the
fake cop/fake government official scam has various angles, from alleging missed jury duty to threatening arrest due to circumstantial links to an alleged crime.

The demand from the scammers, inevitably, is payment. You may like Fake FBI social media scams are on the rise here's what to look out for US Treasury wants banks to be better at filing cyber scam reports after noting nearly $13 billion in losses since 2023 US Treasury wants banks to be better at filing file cyber scam reports after noting nearly $13 billion in losses since 2023

Making a commitment to extreme lengths of scamming and extortion, the criminals took things to a new level when it came to targeting victims. International students, visiting foreign nationals, and other immigrant citizens were given special treatment. Not only were they threatened with extradition, there was also the implication of victims losing their home country passport.

To convince the target, scammers built actual studio sets, donned uniforms or suits, and appeared in video calls to the victims, who were convinced they were talking to foreign law enforcement agents or US-based diplomats.
Creating the illusion of officialdom to sell the scam, victims paid whatever necessary to stay in their adopted country. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me
with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. How to spot the scam It is important to note that not all fraud of this type takes place in the US. These may be online or offline, but the so-called fake cop scam is an international criminal phenomenon. So, how do you avoid it?

Well assume youve answered a call inadvertently rather than having spam calls blocked (that should be set already).

First, remain calm. These situations are designed to impose stress and heightened anxiety. Scammers rely on these factors to cloud their victims judgement and force the narrative they are selling (you missed jury duty/your presence in the country is illegal.) What to read next Cybercrime is officially costing the world trillions every year '$3.7B lost to deepfakes' Why social media is the perfect launchpad for AI fraud $293 million seized
and 5,811 arrests made in huge anti-scam and fraud action by Interpol and law enforcement agencies across 97 countries

Second, it is vital to request credentials. Failure to provide these is the first red flag that the person communicating with you is not what they seem. Thats your cue to end the conversation.

Third, check the credentials. It doesnt matter how long this takes a legitimate caller will not mind waiting for you to do the necessary
background check, even if it means them calling back.

Finally, and most importantly: neither law enforcement, security services,
nor the FBI will demand money. If that is happening, its time to end the
call. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/fbi-claims-fake-cop-scams-are-costing-v ictims-billions-heres-what-to-look-out-for


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