The FBI has issued an urgent warning to North Carolina residents about a surge in sophisticated phone scams targeting individuals across the state. Scammers are using advanced tactics, including spoofing legitimate government numbers and impersonating officials, to trick victims into handing over sensitive information or money. Authorities are urging the public to block a list of five phone numbers identified as being linked to these fraudulent activities.
What’s Happening?
In recent months, scammers have increasingly been using technology to make it appear as if their calls are coming from trusted sources, including the FBI’s own phone numbers. This method, known as “spoofing,” is designed to lower victims’ defenses and create a sense of urgency or fear.
The scam calls often claim to be from government agencies, banks, or delivery services, and employ intimidation tactics such as threatening arrest or financial penalties unless immediate action is taken.
Top 5 Scam Phone Numbers to Block
Based on data from scam monitoring services and law enforcement reports, the following five phone numbers have been flagged as particularly dangerous and should be blocked immediately:
- (865) 630-4266: Poses as Wells Fargo, claiming your debit card is locked due to fraud. Do not respond-contact your bank directly if you’re concerned.
- (469) 709-7630: Sends texts about supposed failed package deliveries, trying to get you to call back and provide personal information.
- (805) 637-7243: Associated with Publishers Clearing House scams, claiming you’ve won a sweepstakes or have a credit card fraud alert.
- (704) 672-6100: This is the real number for the FBI Charlotte Field Office, but scammers are spoofing it to impersonate FBI agents and demand money or personal information.
(Additional numbers may vary; always be cautious with unknown callers, especially those demanding urgent action.)
How the Scam Works
Scammers often know personal details about their targets-such as full names, birthdates, and even family members-making their calls seem more credible. They may threaten legal action, claim you owe money, or say there’s a warrant for your arrest, pressuring you to pay immediately or provide sensitive information. The FBI stresses that they never call private citizens to request money or threaten arrest over the phone.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, especially those demanding money or personal data.
- Never give out personal information or payment details to unknown callers.
- Government agencies and legitimate businesses will never ask for payment via gift cards or third-party services.
- If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number.
- Trust your instincts-if something feels off, it probably is.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If you believe you’ve been targeted or victimized by a scam call, report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.
Stay Safe, North Carolina
With scammers evolving their tactics, it’s crucial for North Carolina residents to remain cautious and proactive. Blocking these known scam numbers and following the FBI’s safety recommendations can help protect you and your loved ones from falling victim to these schemes.
Sources:-
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/03/11/fbi-warning-delete-new-texts-on-your-phone/
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09VMLrDOF08
[3] https://www.robesonian.com/news/131337/fbi-issues-warning-on-telephone-scam
[4] https://wpst.com/fbi-warns-to-block-scam-numbers/
[5] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/charlotte/news/press-releases/fbi-charlotte-warns-of-scammers-spoofing-fbi-phone-numbers
[6] https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/new-fbi-warning-on-smishing-texts-scam-delete-these-messages-right-away-article-118911657
[7] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts
[8] https://wnaw.com/fbi-is-warning-massachusetts-residents-to-block-these-phone-numbers-asap/
[9] https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241025/fema-calls-north-carolina-may-come-unknown-phone-numbers
[10] https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us
[11] https://www.usmarshals.gov/news/press-release/us-marshals-fbi-urge-public-report-phone-scams
[12] https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety