Scammers impersonating law enforcement and government officials have cost US victims over $1.6 billion since January 2025, with nearly 61,000 complaints filed with the FBI's IC3 over a 19-month period. The scams typically involve unsolicited calls threatening arrest or legal consequences unless victims make payments, with tactics ranging from fake criminal charges and missed jury duty fines to targeted schemes aimed at professionals, foreign nationals, and international students. The FBI has reminded the public that law enforcement agencies will never call individuals to demand payment or sensitive information.
