CHICAGO — The FBI’s Chicago field office released images of a man and woman who it said posed as agents to scam people out of money.
The fraudsters flashed credentials, sat at a desk with flags and the FBI seal in the background, during what appeared to be video calls. The FBI said communication typically occurs via text message, phone or email with the impostors outlining scenarios to extract personal financial information from victims.
“The scam is happening nationwide, however, we have multiple reports of victims from Chicago… a majority of victims both nationally and locally appear to be over the age of 60,” an FBI Chicago spokesperson told WGN Investigates.
In some cases, someone posing as a bank employee claimed to be working alongside legitimate FBI agents to gain victims’ bank account information.
“By posing as law enforcement, they erode the very trust our agencies require when working to protect and serve the public,” FBI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta is quoted as saying in a press release.
The FBI provided the following information:
The public is encouraged to be mindful of this additional guidance:
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, texts, and emails.
- Follow your gut: if an unknown individual is making statements that don’t sound factual, or if they’re pressuring you to act immediately, end all communications and save them for record.
- If claims raise concern, verify the information independently by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency, bank, or company with the contact information publicly known, and not provided by a scammer.
- Be wary of providing money and/or personal information to someone with whom you did not initiate contact or have independent and direct affiliation.
The public is encouraged to file a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
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