Officer Smith Scam Phone Call: Don’t Fall For This Scam!

Photo of author

Written by: Stelian Pilici

Published on:

If you have received a phone call from someone claiming to be Officer Sarah Smith from the legal department, you might be wondering what it is all about and what you should do. In this blog post, we will explain how the Officer Smith scam phone call works, why it is a scam, and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to it.

SCAM

What is the Officer Smith Scam Phone Call?

The Officer Smith scam phone call is a type of impostor scam, where scammers pretend to be from a government agency or a law enforcement authority to trick you into giving them money or personal information. According to Reddit users and YouTube videos, the scammers use a recorded message or a text-to-speech software to call potential victims and say something like this:

“This is Officer Sarah Smith calling you from the legal department. The very second you receive this message, you need to leave your work aside so that we can discuss your case and take necessary action on this matter. In order to connect to a federal agent, press one and you will be connected to the concerned department. If we don’t hear from you, then we will be forced to take legal action against you. Press one and you will be connected to the concerned department.”

The scammers may also use different names, such as Officer Sarah Jones or Officer Sarah Schultz, and different departments, such as the Social Security Administration or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection . The scammers may also claim that illegal items were shipped in your name and have been intercepted, or that a warrant is out for your arrest.

How The Scam Works

The goal of the scammers is to scare you into believing that you are in serious trouble and that you need to act quickly to avoid legal consequences. If you press one or call back the number they provide, they will try to convince you to pay a fee or a fine using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers, or to share your Social Security number, bank account number, or other personal information. They may also threaten you with arrest, deportation, or lawsuits if you don’t comply.

The scammers may use spoofing technology to make their phone numbers look real or match the area code of your location. They may also use fake names, badges, or case numbers to sound more convincing. However, these are all signs of a scam.

What to do if you have fallen victim

If you have received the Officer Smith scam phone call, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

  • Do not press one or call back the number they provide. Hang up immediately and block the number if possible.
  • Do not pay any money or share any personal information with the callers. If you have already done so, contact your bank, credit card company, or other financial institution as soon as possible and report the fraud.
  • Report the scam call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
  • Report the scam call to your local police department or state attorney general’s office.
  • If the caller claimed to be from a specific government agency, contact that agency directly using their official website or phone number and verify if they have contacted you.

Conclusion

The Officer Smith scam phone call is a common and dangerous fraud scheme that targets unsuspecting people across the country. Do not fall for their lies and intimidation tactics. Remember that no legitimate government agency or law enforcement authority will ever call you out of the blue with promises of money or threats of legal action. Always verify the identity of the caller before giving them any information or money. Stay alert and stay safe.

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

Previous

Officer Jones Scam Phone Call: Don’t Fall For This Scam!

Next

“He Died In An Accident” Facebook Messenger Scam – Explained