Georgia residents are being urged by the FBI to stay vigilant as sophisticated phone scams continue to target individuals across the state. Recent warnings highlight a surge in fraudulent calls and texts, many of which appear to come from official sources or law enforcement, with the goal of stealing money or personal information from unsuspecting victims.
Scammers Are Evolving
The FBI Atlanta Division has observed a rise in phone scams where callers impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or even federal judges. These scammers often claim that the recipient has failed to report for jury duty or has outstanding warrants, threatening arrest or prosecution unless a fine is paid immediately. They frequently request payment via prepaid cards, gift cards, or direct bank transfers-methods that are difficult to trace and recover.
To make these scams more convincing, the perpetrators may use “spoofing” technology to make their phone numbers appear as if they are coming from legitimate government agencies or courts. They may even provide real names and badge numbers of actual officials to bolster their credibility.
Top 5 Dangerous Phone Numbers to Block
While the FBI has not publicly released a specific list of phone numbers for Georgia, similar warnings in other states have identified the most commonly reported scam numbers through services like BeenVerified, which tracks scam and spam calls using user reports and reverse phone lookup tools. These numbers are often linked to:
- Bank and credit card scams
- Delivery scams impersonating companies like DHL or FedEx
- Prize or lottery scams promising cash or vehicles
- Law enforcement impersonation demanding payment for alleged warrants
- Jury duty scams threatening arrest or legal action
If you receive calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers-especially those demanding urgent action, payment, or personal information-block them immediately. While the exact numbers may vary, the FBI and consumer protection agencies recommend using call-blocking features on your phone and reporting suspicious numbers to authorities.
How the Scams Work
Scammers may use the following tactics:
- Claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest
- Stating you have an outstanding warrant and must pay immediately
- Requesting payment via gift cards, bank deposits, or vouchers
- Demanding you remain on the line until payment is made
- Asking for sensitive information or even inappropriate photos under false pretenses
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Call
- Do not provide personal information, payment details, or click on any links sent via text or email.
- Hang up immediately if the caller pressures you or threatens legal action.
- Verify any claims by contacting the relevant agency directly using official contact information-not the number provided by the caller.
- Report scam calls to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Protect Yourself and Your Community
The FBI emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call you to demand payment for missed jury duty, warrants, or fines, nor will they request payment via gift cards or ask for photos or videos for any reason.
If you receive a suspicious call or text, take the following steps:
- Block the number on your device.
- Report the incident to the FBI and your local law enforcement.
- Warn friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to such scams.
Staying alert and informed is the best defense against these evolving threats. For more information, visit the FBI Atlanta Field Office website or the IC3 reporting portal.
Remember: If it sounds suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and never let anyone rush you into making payments or sharing personal information over the phone.
Sources:-
[1] https://wnaw.com/fbi-is-warning-massachusetts-residents-to-block-these-phone-numbers-asap/
[2] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta/news/press-releases/individuals-spoofing-law-enforcement-phone-numbers-to-scam-victims
[3] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta
[4] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta/news/individuals-spoofing-law-enforcement-phone-numbers-to-scam-victims
[5] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta/news/jury-duty-scammers-target-georgians
[6] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/03/11/fbi-warning-delete-new-texts-on-your-phone/
[7] https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/fbi-warning-georgia-rise-cybercrimes-scams-cryptocurrency
[8] https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/fbi-warns-georgians-to-be-on-alert-for-jury-duty-phone-scam/93-375433675
[9] https://www.gand.uscourts.gov/news/scam-alert-do-not-pay-callers-who-claim-you-missed-jury-duty
[10] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/columbia