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The Boston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation is warning the public about a new agent impersonation scam in which victims receive phone calls from scammers who are spoofing FBI Boston’s main phone number and encouraging them to download an encrypted application to continue communications.
The scam starts with a call from someone posing as a representative from a financial institution who informs the victim that their information was used to open an account to purchase illegal firearms. The victim is then transferred to someone claiming to be an FBI special agent “investigating” the fraud and is encouraged to verify the number, at which point the call inexplicably disconnects. Shortly after, victims report receiving a return call appearing to be from FBI Boston’s main number, 857-386-2000. The scammer then provides a fake name and badge number to further trick the victim into believing they are speaking with an actual FBI agent and may tell the victim to move the conversation to an encrypted messaging application. Victims are further advised that all communications are confidential and should not be shared with anyone.
These calls are fraudulent. The FBI will never call or email private citizens to demand payment, personal information, threaten arrest, or ask you to communicate via an encrypted application. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the interaction to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
“Scammers are utilizing fear, urgency, and increasingly sophisticated tactics—including spoofing trusted phone numbers—to push people into acting before they can think it through,” said Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “If you get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be the FBI or any law enforcement agency, stop. Hang up. Then verify the caller by contacting the organization directly using a number you found yourself. That pause can shut down a scam and keep criminals from turning your panic into their payday.”
The FBI defines this type of scam as government impersonation fraud, in which criminals impersonate government officials to collect money. Scammers often threaten to extort victims with physical or financial harm to obtain personally identifiable information (PII), such as a Social Security number, credit card or bank information, money, or access to a computer or phone. These scams are a persistent problem, and we encourage the public to remain vigilant.
According to IC3, 32,424 people across the country reported being victims of government impersonation scams in 2025, with losses totaling more than $797 million. Here in the Boston Division, which includes all of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, 1,092 complaints were filed with financial losses totaling $28,895,404.
The FBI will never:
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam:
Scams impersonating the FBI and other government agencies can also occur via email. Common hallmarks of a scam email include misspellings, missing words, and incorrect grammar. Fraudulent emails may give the appearance of legitimacy by using pictures of the FBI Director or the special agent in charge and including the FBI seal.
Members of the public seeking to confirm that they have been contacted by an actual FBI employee are encouraged to call the FBI Boston Division at 857-386-2000 and ask to be connected directly.
If you think you are a victim of this scam, cease all contact with the scammers immediately, notify your financial institutions, and safeguard any financial accounts. Contact your local law enforcement agency, file a police report, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Be sure to keep any financial transaction information, including prepaid cards and banking records, along with all telephone, text or email communications.
South Coast fatal crash victim remembered for love of cars and motorcycles as family endures second tragedy in 3 years
ICE Boston arrests Brazilian national accused of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle after death of Taunton man with Fall River ties
53-year-old Massachusetts man sentenced to prison for disturbing crimes against a child
21-year-old Massachusetts man charged with motor vehicle homicide after fiery high-speed double fatal highway collision
South Coast fatal crash victim remembered for love of cars and motorcycles as family endures second tragedy in 3 years
ICE Boston arrests Brazilian national accused of negligent homicide with a motor vehicle after death of Taunton man with Fall River ties
Fall River Forever Paws Calliope is a sweet, chill, mature lady looking for a snuggle buddy
25-year-old Massachusetts gang member pleads guilty to role in double murder
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