FCC Alert: Fraudsters Are Impersonating FCC Officials and Asking for Payment

The FCC just issued a Public Notice warning consumers and stations about a new fraud scam.  The scam involves people impersonating FCC officials.  In the Public Notice, the FCC stated:

“The Federal Communications Commission is warning consumers about scam calls and texts from fraudsters posting as FCC Commissioners or employees.  In a recent scheme, callers impersonating FCC Commissioners or staff falsely claim that a consumer’s phone number is under investigation for criminal activity.  These calls and texts are scams.

FCC employees will never:

• Call to say your phone number is under investigation.

• Direct you to a special “law enforcement hotline.”

• Demand payment, personal or financial information or threaten legal action.

The FCC does not seek or accept payment in cash, cash apps, crypto currency, store credit accounts, or gift cards.  Any request for such a payment is a red flag.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.  If the call or text includes a threat of violence or harm, immediately report it to local law enforcement.”

You can see the FCC’s Public Notice on the subject here.