SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — The FBI is warning the public of a phone scam targeting parents or family members of Georgia college students.
The Atlanta FBI says scammers call, posing as university or college police officers, telling parents their children have outstanding warrants or fines, and then demanding payment.
Approved Alabama law requires phone manufacturers to enable “porn filters” on devices at purchase
The scammers use fake or spoofed law enforcement phone numbers, as well as officers’ names, positions, and addresses.
The FBI recommends looking out for the following list of suspicious activity:
- Calls from local law enforcement saying a person has fines for pending warrants.
- Calls from local law enforcement saying the court is contemptuous of the person for not appearing for jury duty.
- Calls from local law enforcement saying a person has been placed under a “gag order” and is not allowed to speak to anyone else about the matter.
- Calls from local law enforcement asking you to hold the line until the “bail” is paid.
- Cash gift card applications (Visa/Green Dot etc.), bank deposits and voucher purchases to clear fines or avoid jail time.
- Requests for videos or images of people personally strip-searching themselves to clear fines or avoid jail time.
Officials say if you get a voicemail from law enforcement requesting a call back, don’t answer. Instead, call your local police station or walk by in person to confirm the call.
The FBI reminds families and students that law enforcement will never call you if you have a missing jury warrant or ask you to send money for any reason.
If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, contact the FBI Atlanta at 770-216-3000 and file a complaint here.
