FCC warning consumers of scammers pretending to be FCC employee: Here's what you should know
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Beware the next time you receive a call or text from someone claiming to be an employee of the Federal Communications Commission.
The government agency that regulates communication of radio, TV, internet and more in the U.S. says, in a recent scam, fraudsters contacted consumers, telling them their phone number is under investigation for criminal activity.
Now, here are three things the FCC will never do:
- First, call to say your phone number is under investigation
- Second, direct you to a special "law enforcement hotline"
- Third, demand payment, request your personal or financial information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, PINs, or threaten legal action
Red Flag payments include cash, cash apps, cryptocurrency, store credit accounts and gift cards.
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So, what should you do if this happens to you?
Hang up, immediately.
If you get a call or text that threatens you with violence or harm, report it to police right away.
The FCC says to not answer calls from numbers you don't recognize. Don't respond to texts or click on links from unknown numbers. Ask your phone company about call-blocking tools and consider using call-blocking apps.
It can be normal for the FCC to contact you, but only if you already have an active case filed with the agency.
You can report a potential imposter scams to the Federal Communications Commission here.
The FCC says when filing a complaint, please select the form "Phone" and the issue "Unwanted Calls/Texts." Include as much information including:
- The number shown on Caller ID.
- The number receiving the call.
- The time the call was received, including the time zone in which it was received.
- The name of the FCC employee the caller claimed to be.
- Any recording of the call or screenshot of the text.
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