Phone Scams • Government Imposters

U.S. Marshals + FBI Warn Public: Report Phone Scams

Scammers spoof government phone numbers, impersonate officials, and demand payment via bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, or wire transfers. Here are the red flags and how to respond safely.

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Quick takeaway
Caller ID can be faked. Verify using a trusted number you find independently—never the one the caller gives you.

What’s happening: “U.S. Marshal” and law enforcement imposter calls

A common phone scam involves criminals pretending to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. They often claim you’re facing arrest or legal trouble related to identity theft, missed jury duty, or an “investigation.” The goal is to force fast compliance before you can verify the story.

Why these calls feel real

  • Spoofed caller ID: The incoming number may appear to be a real government or courthouse number.
  • Authority pressure: Threats of arrest, warrants, or “immediate action required.”
  • Personal details: Scammers may quote old addresses or other info to sound credible.
  • Case numbers + badge IDs: They may provide “official” reference numbers to lower your guard.

The biggest red flag: payment demands

Imposter scammers commonly demand payment to “avoid arrest” or “resolve the case.” They may push victims to withdraw cash and deposit it into a bitcoin ATM, buy gift cards/prepaid cards, or send a wire transfer. Real government agencies do not resolve legal matters through bitcoin kiosks or gift card payments.

What to do if you get this call

  1. Hang up. Do not stay on the line “to be recorded.”
  2. Don’t share info. No SSN, bank details, photos of IDs, or verification codes.
  3. Verify independently. Look up the official agency/court contact info yourself and call back using a trusted source (not a number provided by the caller).
  4. Report it. Reporting helps detect patterns and protects others.

Official source

This warning is summarized from an official U.S. Marshals Service press release: U.S. Marshals, FBI Urge Public: Report Phone Scams

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FAQ

Can caller ID really show a real government number?

Yes. Caller ID spoofing can make calls appear to come from legitimate numbers. Always verify independently.

What’s the fastest way to tell it’s a scam?

Any demand for bitcoin ATM deposits, gift cards, or urgent payment to avoid arrest is a major scam indicator.