Scammers impersonating Feds, warns Georgia Middle District U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia is reiterating warnings by federal authorities about a scammer or group of scammers contacting American citizens and trying to defraud them by posing as federal prosecutors or law enforcement.
The FBI also released a statement saying the scammer or scammers are potentially from outside the United States.
Both news releases say scammers contact citizens (through text message, email or phone call) claiming to be federal prosecutors or law enforcement. They attempt to defraud them of money by claiming the citizen is a possible victim or suspect in a fraud investigation.
“No one in the U.S. Attorney’s Office will contact a citizen with demands for bank account information and money,” U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes said in the news releases. “If you receive a similar call or email, please contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov immediately,”
“These fraudsters are capitalizing on fear and intimidation because nobody wants to be the victim of a crime or the subject of a law enforcement investigation,” FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis said in the news releases. “The FBI will actively pursue and charge those who participate in such criminal activity.”
The DOJ’s news release says the fraudsters typically make several contacts before personal information, such as credit cards and bank accounts, is requested.
“Fraudsters are targeting victims in North Carolina and California, but federal authorities warn people in every state to be vigilant,” the DOJ news release says.
Authorities suggest the following tips to avoid becoming a victim of the scam:
- Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, text messages and emails.
- Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact.
- Trust your instincts. If an unknown caller pressures you or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.
- If concerns remain about the caller’s claims, verify the information with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials.
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 3:41 PM with the headline "Scammers impersonating Feds, warns Georgia Middle District U.S. Attorney’s Office."