The Police Identity Spoof

Flggd Scam School · Government & Law Enforcement Scams · Lesson 8 of 14

The caller ID says it's the police, and the officer says your identity was used in a crime. If police called saying your identity was used in a crime, here's the part they're counting on you not knowing.

The message looks like this

Why this is a scam

Caller ID can be faked to show any name or number, including your local police department. A badge number and a calm, professional tone cost nothing.

Notice the shape of it: you're a victim, not a suspect, so your guard drops. Then comes the ask; your Social Security number, your account list, and silence toward your bank. That silence matters, because your bank is exactly who would stop what happens next.

Real detectives do not collect your account details by phone, and they never instruct you to hide things from your bank.

Red flags checklist

• Caller ID shows police, but the caller asks for personal or account details.

• You're told you're "a victim" who must cooperate right now.

• Requests for your Social Security number or a list of your accounts.

• Instructions not to tell your bank or family about the "investigation".

• Any follow-up that involves moving money to "protect" it.

The manipulation tactic

Authority wearing a friendly face. Being cast as the innocent victim feels safe, and helpful people make cooperative targets.

What to do, and what not to do

• Hang up. Caller ID proves nothing.

• Call the department's real non-emergency line, found by you, and ask for the detective by name.

• Never share your Social Security number or account details with an incoming caller.

• Never move money because a "police officer" told you to; that instruction only comes from scammers.

• Tell your bank if anyone mentioned your accounts; they can flag and watch them.

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