FBI warned! Scammers are now posing as police.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned that scammers are attempting to obtain money and personal information from citizens by impersonating law enforcement officers and government officials. The agency noted that the realistic voice and image mimicry enabled by artificial‑intelligence technologies has made these tactics more convincing.

Losses Exceeding $1.6 Billion in 18 Months

According to the FBI's public briefing dated September 17, about 61,000 complaints of this type of identity‑impersonation fraud were reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) between January 2025 and July 2026. The total financial loss reported in those complaints was said to exceed $1.6 billion.

Scammers were said to typically create fear and pressure when contacting victims. Suspects employ tactics such as linking individuals to a crime, threatening arrest, or claiming that legal action will be taken against them.

\"Pay to Remove the Charge Against You\" Trap

In one of the tactics used by scammers, victims are alleged to be linked to a crime. They then demand payment in exchange for having the charges dropped, threatening arrest or prosecution.

In another scheme, people are accused of refusing to serve on a jury or missing court dates. The scammers claim that a fine or arrest warrant will be issued if payment is not made.

IC3 received 6,833 complaints about jury duty fraud between January 2025 and July 2026. In these cases, losses of about $36 million were reported.

They also demand money using passport and driver's license documents.

In another method used by the scammers, victims are told that their driver's license, passport, or professional license is about to expire. Payment is requested for the renewal process.

During the same period, 496 complaints were recorded regarding this method, and total losses were reported to exceed $348,000.

Foreigners and international students are also targets.

The FBI said that scammers can impersonate foreign diplomatic officials or the law enforcement of their own countries to target foreigners and various ethnic communities in the United States.

In some cases, victims are threatened that their passports will be cancelled or revoked. It was also stated that scammers wear fake police uniforms and use counterfeit locations resembling state institutions.

During the period from January 2025 to July 2026, 1,809 complaints were filed regarding this method, and the total loss was reported to exceed $140 million.

Artificial Intelligence Makes Scammers' Work Easier

The FBI highlighted that artificial‑intelligence technologies also make this type of fraud more convincing. With AI tools, creating realistic voice and image impersonations has become easier, giving scammers new methods.

Scammers can use AI‑powered voice clones and deep‑fake videos to appear as real police officers, judges, or government officials.

FBI: State Officials Will Not Request Payment Using These Methods

The FBI said scammers could demand payment via various methods such as cryptocurrency, bank transfers, courier services, or prepaid cards. The agency emphasized that state or law‑enforcement officers would not request payment through these means.

It was also noted that scammers use urgent and aggressive language to pressure victims, ask them not to turn off their phones during the conversation, and warn them not to share what happens with their families, friends, banks, or real law‑enforcement agencies.

Officials highlighted that an urgent payment request, a threat of arrest, and insistence on secrecy could be key indicators of a scam attempt.