Fake FBI agent "move your money" scam
Scammers pose as FBI, FTC, or police officers and say your Social Security number was used in a crime. They tell you to move your savings to a "safe" account and not tell your bank.
How this scam works
Fear and authority make people obey. The "safe account" belongs to the scammer, and the savings are gone.
Common versions of the message
- Your identity used in a crime
- Accounts about to be frozen
- A safe government account for your money
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 012-4417
FBI ALERT: Your Social Security number was used in a drug trafficking case and your bank accounts will be frozen today. To protect your savings, move your money to a safe government account. Do not tell your bank, they may be involved.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Crime story: “used in a drug trafficking case”
Made to scare you into obeying
Crime stories are made to scare you into following orders.
- 2
Rushed deadline: “will be frozen today”
So you act before you check
The deadline keeps you from checking.
- 3
Move your money: “move your money to a safe government account”
There is no safe government account
There is no safe government account. No agency will ever ask you to move money.
- 4
Keep it secret: “Do not tell your bank”
Your bank is exactly who can stop this
Your bank is exactly who can stop this. That is why they say not to tell it.
What to do
- Hang up or stop replying.
- Call your bank using the number on your card.
- Report it to the FBI at ic3.gov.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you moved money, call your bank immediately and ask them to stop or recall it.
- Report it at ic3.gov.
- Talk to a family member before taking any more steps the caller asked for.
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