As cited
Copy frozen at (site build).
threat intel
FBI: Fake cop and government impersonation scams cost victims $1.6B
Law enforcement and government impersonation scams generated losses exceeding $1.6 billion between January 2025 and July 2026, with nearly 61,000 complaints filed to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Scammers employ various tactics ranging from generic threats of arrest or unpaid jury duty to targeted approaches based on victims' professions or immigrant status, with some perpetrators using video calls and costume uniforms to increase credibility. The most profitable variant targets international students and foreign nationals with threats of passport cancellation or extradition, accounting for nearly 10 percent of total losses despite representing less than 3 percent of complaints.
Why it matters: Organizations and individuals, especially professionals in regulated fields and international students in the US, face targeted financial extortion using law enforcement impersonation; practitioners should ensure staff understand these tactics and know that legitimate law enforcement will not demand payment by phone.
- Source published
- First seen by Cybersecurity Tracker