Scammers are pulling a new trick, targeting Black communities with a sophisticated twist on an old con. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers are posing as government officials and police officers to steal personal information and money. This scheme starts with a call claiming that a phone registered under your name is being used for scams in another country, complete with fake badge IDs and threats to disconnect your phone. The scammer then transfers you to a fake police officer, who asks for your ID and personal details, telling you to keep it secret and eventually demanding a security deposit.

This scam is particularly insidious because it turns the standard advice to verify before acting into a weapon. Instead of verifying a caller’s identity, victims are given false directions to search for the police department’s number, leading them to another scammer. The FTC warns that real employees will never threaten to disconnect your phone or ask you to keep conversations secret. This tactic exploits the trust that many have in government and law enforcement, making it especially dangerous.

The stakes are high. In 2025, Americans reported losing about $15.9 billion to fraud, a record according to the FTC. Impersonation scams were the most reported type, with over 1 million complaints and about $3.5 billion lost. These scams often start with a phone call that mimics a trusted authority figure, making them particularly effective in communities that rely on and respect official channels. Investment scams caused the biggest losses, around $7.9 billion, often starting as a friendship or romance online before turning into a crypto pitch.

The rise of AI technology has made these scams even more convincing. Scammers can now clone a loved one’s voice or alter images to fake an emergency, making it harder to spot the con. The FTC advises using the number printed on your card, statement, or government letter to verify information, rather than relying on online search results that can be manipulated by scammers.

To protect yourself, it’s crucial to act quickly. Stop all contact and payments, then call your bank or card issuer right away to dispute charges and lock compromised accounts. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, which is free. Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, use IdentityTheft.gov if your identity was stolen, and file online fraud reports with the FBI at their website. Watch for a second hit from companies promising to recover lost money for an upfront fee, as these are often run by the same scammers.

Your community’s resilience is key. Fraudsters count on embarrassment and silence, and many victims never report what happened. Share this information with your family, friends, and community groups to build a network of awareness and protection. A five-minute conversation about these scams can save someone from losing their hard-earned money and peace of mind.

Originally reported by Rolling Out