Better Business Bureau Serving Acadiana has received many calls regarding consumers are getting alarming phone calls from someone who claims to be from law enforcement or Social Security Administration. The caller tells you that a car registered in your name has been found with drugs, money and blood in it, or that your name is associated with a house that has been part of a recent drug raid. They proceed to tell you that you have charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and potential homicide. You’re given an officers name, badge number, case number and told that there is a warrant for your arrest.
According to BBB Scamtracker, this phishing scam is looking to obtain your personal information like address, financial information, your date of birth and social security number. Consumers have reported to BBB, the scammer could verify the last four digits or full social security number and other personal information. The scammers claim they need this information to help track down the crooks or help you clear your record.
How to Avoid this Scam and other Government Imposter Scams:
- Never give out your personal information over the phone, email, or any website until you have verified the person asking for it.
- Do not trust your caller ID or email. Many scammers “spoof” emails and phone numbers to make you trust them.
- Government agencies DO NOT call unsolicited; rather, they send letters if they need to contact a citizen.
- Contact the government or law enforcement agency using a number or website you know to be correct. SSA has stated that you can contact them if you receive a call from someone who claims to be an SSA employee at 1-800-772-1213 to verify.
If someone has tried to steal your personal information by pretending to be from a government agency, report it to the FTC. You can also report scams to BBB, go to bbb.org/scamtracker.
BBB Serving Acadiana services the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Martin, St. Landry and Vermilion.
