FBI: scammers impersonate police and demand payment under arrest threats

The FBI updated its warning about scammers posing as police officers and federal agents who threaten arrest unless victims pay. Between January 2025 and July 2026, the agency logged 6,833 complaints with losses of nearly $36 million, while overall losses from such schemes topped $1.6 billion.

• 6,833 complaints and nearly $36 million in losses from January 2025 to July 2026
• Overall losses from police-impersonation scams exceeded $1.6 billion
• Payments demanded via prepaid cards, wires, crypto or cash to a courier
• Scammers spoof government numbers and use AI to fool victims