The Chillicothe Police Department and the FBI are warning the public about a phone scam that spoof’s, or fraudulently displays, the FBI’s real telephone number on the victim’s caller ID.
The latest version of the scam claims the victims are being investigated by the FBI for back taxes. In some cases, the scammers are calling victims in Western Missouri and spoofing the real phone numbers of FBI offices in Eastern Missouri.
Last October, the FBI issued a news release warning the public about a phone scam using spoofed FBI phone numbers to target college students claiming the victim was delinquent on student loans, taxes, or even parking tickets.
Be advised these are old scams that keep evolving with a new twist. The FBI does not call or e-mail private citizens to demand money or threaten arrest.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI to verify the information with the Bureau, if they are contacted by a caller who says they are with the FBI.
The main phone numbers for the FBI in Kansas City is 816-512-8200 and St. Louis is 314-589-2500; contact information or other FBI field offices can be found at www.fbi.gov.
In similar cases, callers have claimed to be with the IRS, DEA, or another government agency. Be suspicious and verify the caller’s information with the appropriate agency.
If you are a victim of a phone or online scam, you can file an online complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov or by contacting the Chillicothe Police Department at 660-646-2121.
Never provide your personal information to someone over the phone or online, in which you can’t verify their identity.
