DETROIT — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is warning the public not to fall for scammers impersonating federal agents.
HSI will never call and demand account information or payment over the phone to avoid an impending law enforcement action.
“These calls come in with a false sense of urgency because there is an alleged law enforcement action against you — usually an intercepted package of money, drugs or both,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “These scammers are looking to scare you into either sharing or confirming your bank information or sending cash. HSI will not contact you by phone for your bank information or cash. If you receive a call like this, do not share any information and promptly report it to the HSI tipline at 877-4-HSI-TIP.”
HSI agents will not call anyone from the main tip line phone number. If you receive a call from an unknown number, think twice before answering. HSI agents will not attempt to arrest an individual over the phone. Agents urge you to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.
Use the following tips to keep scammers away:
- HSI won’t call to threaten you with jail time and demand money in lieu of jail. If a caller asks you to pay a fee or share your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers over the phone, hang up. It’s a scam.
- Do not provide any information to the caller. Instead, ask the caller for their name and badge number and let them know you will call their agency’s main line to verify. If you get an excuse, that’s a pretty good indicator this is a scam.
- If the caller leaves a message, do not contact the email or number being given. Instead, contact the organization directly via its official website at HSI.gov.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam should call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. You may also contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a complaint or report identity theft.
To learn more on HSI Detroit’s mission to keep communities in Michigan and Ohio safe, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @HSIDetroit.