The FBI warns older adults about phone, email, and text scams that impersonate government officials. In one described case, a caller claimed the victim had an urgent DEA-related situation and pressured transfers and asset cash-outs.

The FBI released a senior-fraud PSA highlighting common tactics used to steal money from older adults, including phishing and spoofing through phone calls, emails, and texts. According to the FBI, fraudsters frequently rely on government impersonation to create urgency, authority, and fear—often claiming the victim is tied to an investigation or facing legal consequences. The PSA describes a case in which the scammer impersonated government officials and told the victim there was a DEA-style matter requiring immediate action. The victim was then pressured into transferring money and cashing out assets under the threat of escalation. The FBI ties these schemes to broader fraud patterns such as identity theft, where scammers may use personal information to make their impersonation more convincing. The release also emphasizes red flags including unsolicited contact, claims of warrants or investigations, demands for immediate payment, and instructions to avoid verifying details with official sources. The FBI’s guidance focuses on not engaging with unsolicited messages, refusing rushed financial demands, and reporting suspected scams so authorities can trace related activity and protect other potential victims.