The FBI has issued a public warning to Pennsylvania residents about a surge in sophisticated phone and text scams. These scams, powered by artificial intelligence, are targeting individuals by impersonating senior U.S. officials, law enforcement, or even family members using cloned voices and convincing messages.
While the FBI has not released a specific list of five phone numbers to block, the agency emphasizes that scammers frequently use spoofed or rotating numbers to evade detection, making it critical for residents to remain vigilant against any suspicious or unsolicited calls and texts.
How the Scams Work
# Impersonation Tactics: Scammers use AI-generated voice messages (“vishing”) and text messages (“smishing”) to convincingly pose as government officials, law enforcement, or trusted contacts.
# Spoofed Caller IDs: Fraudsters often manipulate caller ID information to make it appear as if calls are coming from legitimate agencies or familiar numbers.
# Malicious Links: Victims may receive texts urging them to click links or provide sensitive information, sometimes under the guise of urgent government business or family emergencies.
FBI’s Key Warnings and Safety Tips
What the FBI Will Never Do:
# Call or email private citizens to demand payment or threaten arrest.
# Ask for wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment via gift/prepaid cards.
# Request personal information such as Social Security numbers over the phone.
How to Protect Yourself:
# Be wary of answering calls from unknown numbers.
# Never click on links in unsolicited texts or emails.
# Verify any suspicious communication by contacting the agency or person directly using official channels, not numbers provided in the message.
# Use encrypted messaging apps (WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram) for sensitive conversations.
# Set up a secret phrase with family and close contacts to confirm identities during emergencies.
# Report suspicious messages to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
What to Do If Targeted
# Immediately cease communication with suspected scammers.
# Notify your financial institutions if you have shared any sensitive information.
# File a report with local law enforcement and the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov.
Why Blocking Numbers Alone Is Not Enough
While blocking suspicious numbers can help, scammers often rotate or spoof numbers, making it impossible to rely solely on blocking specific phone numbers. The FBI’s guidance is to stay alert for the tactics described above, rather than focusing on a static list of numbers.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania residents—and all smartphone users—should remain on high alert for AI-driven phone and text scams. The FBI urges everyone to be skeptical of urgent or unusual requests for information or money, especially those claiming to be from government officials or loved ones. Staying informed, using encrypted communication, and reporting suspicious activity are the best defenses against these evolving threats.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250515
[2] https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/fbi-urges-all-iphone-and-android-users-to-be-on-high-alert-for-suspicious-texts-from-one-person-that-could-compromise-security-heres-who-he-is/articleshow/121217718.cms
[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/04/08/fbi-warns-iphone-android-users-stop-these-calls-immediately/
[4] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/news/fbi-warns-public-to-beware-of-scammers-impersonating-law-enforcement-and-government-officials
[5] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/pittsburgh
[6] https://www.gov1.com/safegov/fbi-issues-smishing-scam-warning