Phone scams · 4 min read

Fake FTC, FBI and police calls: government impersonator scams

Short answer

A caller says they are from the FTC, FBI or police, your phone number or identity was used in a crime, and you must pay a "security deposit" or move money to avoid arrest. Real agencies never demand money by phone, threaten to disconnect your phone, or ask you to keep the call secret.

The current script

On October 22, 2026, the FTC warned about callers posing as FTC officials who say your number was used in scams abroad, threaten to deactivate it, transfer you to a fake police officer, then demand a "security deposit" to avoid arrest (FTC). In May 2025 the FTC warned about fake "FTC agents" reading out badge numbers (FTC).

Look up the number that contacted you

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What real agencies never do

  • Ask you to send money, buy gift cards or crypto, or move money.
  • Threaten to disconnect your phone or arrest you over the phone.
  • Tell you to keep the conversation secret from your family or bank.
  • Text you a photo of an employee ID to "prove" who they are.

What to do

  1. Hang up. Do not call back the number they give you.
  2. If you want to check, look up the agency's real number yourself.
  3. Report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. See the FTC's government impersonation guide.

Questions

Does the FTC call people?

The FTC says real FTC employees will never ask you to send money, threaten to disconnect your phone, or ask you to keep a call secret.

Can my phone number be deactivated for being used in a crime?

Not by a phone call demanding a deposit. That claim is part of the scam.

Who is behind that number?

Search a name, phone number or email to see public profiles and records.

Sources

Keep reading

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Published 2026-10-28 by the TrueSearch Safety Team. General information, not legal advice. In an emergency call 911.

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