BBB warns of phone scam citing FBI
The regional office of the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of a phone scam in which a caller claims to be from the FBI.
The Better Business Bureau of Central New England (BBB), based in Worcester, issued the warning in response to a call from an area resident. According to the BBB, the scammer stated the FBI has been monitoring the consumer's online activity and is looking to collect on an outstanding loan balance. To clear the debt, the consumer must wire transfer money to the officer, the BBB said.
“This type of phone call scam has many variations, but all invoke fear in an attempt to get the victim to cooperate,” the BBB said. A local victim who contacted the BBB “became very alarmed by the call and at first complied with the alleged authorities and offered to pay by credit or debit card. The officer stated that was not an acceptable form of payment and the money must be wired.
“The consumer admitted to BBB that they had an outstanding payday loan, but a payment plan was set up with the lender and the alleged FBI agent demanded a balance more than double what is actually owed. The caller also threatened legal action and jail time if the victim did not meet their demands.”
The caller ID appeared to be spoofed and stated "federal Investigations" calling from a 786 number, a Florida area code, the BBB said. The scammer had information including the victim’s name, address, phone number and Social Security number. After the initial conversation, when the consumer ultimately refused to pay or give any more personal information, the call ended and the scammers have not attempted to call again, the BBB said.
The victim reported the issue to local authorities, the BBB said.
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