The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sounded the alarm on a surge in sophisticated scams where fraudsters pose as law enforcement or government officials, preying on unsuspecting residents with threats of arrest for fabricated offenses like missed jury duty or court dates. This impersonation tactic, often amplified by AI-generated voices and spoofed caller IDs, has emerged as one of the newest and most harmful scams, extorting victims through urgent demands for payment via cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.
Nationwide, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded 17,367 complaints related to government impersonation scams in 2024, resulting in over $405 million in losses. In 2024, Alaskans suffered losses exceeding $1.3 million, contributing to the state’s total of 6,770 internet crime complaints and $26 million in overall damages last year.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) has echoed the FBI’s concerns, issuing alerts about similar “missed jury duty” schemes where scammers impersonate state troopers and demand cryptocurrency payments. These frauds isolate victims by instructing them not to consult family or banks, leading to devastating financial and emotional impacts. Families have reported losing life savings, facing bankruptcy, and enduring severe stress, with some victims feeling ashamed and reluctant to seek help, exacerbating isolation and mental health strains.
“Be advised, the FBI and legitimate law enforcement authorities will not call members of the public to demand payment or threaten arrest,” stated the FBI in its warning, urging Alaskans to “take a beat” and verify claims independently.
Authorities advise hanging up on suspicious calls, reporting incidents to local police, and filing complaints at www.ic3.gov. With scams evolving rapidly, education and vigilance remain key to protecting vulnerable communities.
More on the FBIs press release: