The FBI is urging Virginia residents to remain vigilant against an increase in sophisticated phone scams where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement, government agencies, and toll services. While the FBI has not released a specific list of five phone numbers to block, scammers frequently spoof legitimate numbers—including the FBI’s own Norfolk Field Office line (757-455-0100)—to appear credible. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself.
The Scam Tactics
Fake Law Enforcement Threats:
Scammers pose as FBI agents, local deputies, or U.S. Customs officers, claiming you face arrest for unpaid fines, missed jury duty, or alleged crimes. They often use real officer names and spoof caller IDs to mimic legitimate agency numbers.
Example: “This is Deputy [Name] with the Richmond Sheriff’s Office. You have an active warrant—pay $2,000 via gift cards to avoid arrest.”
Toll Payment Scams:
Fraudulent texts (smishing) claim unpaid toll fees with malicious links. These messages often impersonate state toll services and use domains designed to steal personal data.
Example: “Virginia Toll Service: You owe $12.51. Pay now at [fake link] to avoid a $50 late fee.”
Bank/Tech Support Fraud:
Callers pretending to be bank reps or IT support demand immediate action to “secure” accounts, often directing victims to transfer funds or install remote-access software.
How to Identify Suspicious Calls
Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers mask their number to display FBI or police department lines, such as the Norfolk FBI’s 757-455-0100 or Richmond FBI’s 804-261-1044.
Urgent Demands: Threats of arrest, account closures, or fines requiring immediate payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Requests for Personal Data: Social Security numbers, banking details, or passwords are never requested by legitimate agencies over unsolicited calls.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Block Spoofed Numbers:
Enable spam blocking on your smartphone and report suspicious numbers to your carrier. While specific numbers vary, common spoofed ones include local FBI field office lines.
Verify Independently:
Hang up and contact the agency directly using official numbers (e.g., FBI Richmond at 804-261-1044 or FBI Norfolk at 757-455-0100).
Never Share Information:
Legitimate agencies will not ask for payments via gift cards or threaten arrest over the phone.
Report Scams:
FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
IC3: Submit smishing texts with screenshots to www.ic3.gov[5].
Why Virginia?
Recent scams have targeted residents in cities like Norfolk, Richmond, and Alexandria, with fraudsters exploiting trusted agency names. The FBI’s Richmond and Norfolk field offices have issued repeated alerts, emphasizing that these scams often spike during tax season or holidays.
Bottom Line
While no universal “top 5” scam numbers exist, the FBI stresses that any unsolicited call demanding payment or personal data is a scam. Block unknown numbers, verify claims through official channels, and report incidents immediately. As noted by the FTC, “Legitimate agencies will never pressure you to pay on the spot—scammers rely on panic to cloud your judgment.”
Stay alert: When in doubt, hang up and call back using a verified number. Your vigilance is the best defense.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/richmond/about
[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/02/05/police-warn-iphone-and-android-users-end-calls-if-you-hear-this/
[3] https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdva/pr/united-states-attorney-s-office-fbi-warn-residents-online-dangers
[4] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/norfolk/about
[5] https://www.newsweek.com/fbi-warning-scam-smishing-texts-delete-phones-2043344
[6] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices
[7] https://www.wtkr.com/news/fbi-warns-of-fake-agent-phone-scam-in-norfolk