"Your Phone Number Is Linked to Fraud" Call? It's a Scam

Scammers posing as FTC agents say your number is tied to overseas fraud, then demand money. How the script works, the red flags, and what to do if they called you.

The FTC issued a warning on November 2 about a new twist on an old scam. If someone calls saying they're from the Federal Trade Commission and your phone number is being used for fraud in another country, hang up. It's fake.

How the scam works

It usually goes in four steps:

The warning: a caller says they're an FTC agent. A phone line in your name is being used for fraud overseas.
The "proof": they give you a badge number or employee ID, or even text you a photo of a badge.
The transfer: they connect you to a "police officer" or "federal agent" to file a report.
The money: the fake officer takes your personal details, then says you must move your money, buy gift cards, wire funds or deposit cash at a crypto ATM to avoid arrest.

They often tell you to keep it secret from your family and your bank.

The red flags

The FTC is clear on these:

Real FTC staff never ask for money by wire, gift card or crypto kiosk
They never threaten to cut off your phone service
They never transfer you to someone who demands payment
They never text or email photos of badges as proof
Any request to keep it secret is always a scam

The FBI is warning about a similar trick: scammers spoofing real FBI field office numbers, so your caller ID looks legitimate. The FBI says it will never call or text to demand payment or ask for personal information.

What to do if they call

Hang up. Don't press any buttons or "talk to an operator".
Don't call back any number they give you.
If you're worried, look up the agency's number on its official .gov website and call that.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Forward scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).

If you already paid or shared details

Call your bank right away using the number on your card
Gift cards: call the company on the back of the card and ask them to freeze it
Change passwords for email and banking, and turn on two-factor authentication
Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion (it's free)
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IC3.gov

Beware "recovery" services that promise to get your money back for a fee. That's usually a second scam.

Tell your family

These scams hit older relatives hardest. Share this with anyone who picks up unknown numbers. For texts and emails, see how to spot phishing emails.