FBI: Scammers targeting college students
The FBI is now warning college students in Iowa and Nebraska that scammers are spoofing the agency's phone number in an attempt to go after personal information.
Posted — UpdatedAccording to the FBI's Omaha Division, agency offices in at least eight states have received calls about someone claiming to be an FBI agent and demanding repayment for a school loan or tuition.
Sometimes, the scammer will threaten people with arrest if repayments aren't satisfied through a MoneyGram.
According to the FBI, the caller often knows the name of the person they're going after and has access to personal cell phone numbers and work numbers. A spokesperson says it's important for people to remember the FBI does not call private citizens requesting money.
To protect against fraud, the FBI is offering these tips:
* Never give out personal information to someone you did not initiate contact with.
* Before signing up for a contest or e-mail distribution list, make sure the business has a policy not to share your information or sell it to a third party.
* Be leery of anyone you did not initiate contact with who asks for payment using a third party such as MoneyGram or GreenDot prepaid cards.
* Scammers count on your lack of knowledge, so take the time to educate yourself about any offer you receive.
Anybody who gets a call from a suspected scammer is encouraged to file a complaint through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center
Copyright 2024 by Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
