The new, highly sophisticated scam uses ‘stamped’ letters and follow-up phone calls
ST. LOUIS — Scammers are working harder than ever to separate you from your money and personal information.
The FBI, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, sent out a new warning earlier this month about an “iteration of scams where perpetrators are posing as federal courts and law enforcement to scare victims.”
Government imposter scams climbed the list of FBI’s most reported scams during the pandemic.
“What’s changing and evolving is that it’s becoming more sophisticated,” said Jill Mansfield, Supervisory Special Agent. “So, the criminals are actually doing their homework a little more and finding out unique details about the person before they contact them.”
A new twist to watch for
Scammers in these latest plots send an official-looking email or letter claiming to be from U.S. Federal Court or another law enforcement agency.
Agents provided the I-Team with a sample letter which many could find pretty convincing. The letter cites specific state statutes and includes watermarks.
The specific example provided gives a victim two options:…