FBI Cleveland
Public Affairs Officer Susan Licate
November 8, 2022

FBI Cleveland Cautions About Telephone Spoofing Portraying Law Enforcement

CLEVELAND, OH—The Cleveland Division of the FBI is cautioning northern Ohio residents about a telephone spoofing campaign where the caller is portraying themselves as law enforcement and the phone number is showing as Cleveland FBI.

The resident, who the caller addresses by name, is told they are the subject of an investigation, will need to be questioned in relation to an investigation, or is facing a possible arrest. The caller then indicates they are placing the resident on hold to speak with an officer. The call then drops. Residents who missed calls have noted a callback number that leads to the FBI.

While the calls appear to be a nuisance at this time, the FBI reminds the public to be vigilant and never share personal identifying information with a caller that you have not initiated contact or have not verified as a legitimate business or organization.

To report a call or message from someone portraying to be law enforcement or the FBI, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov with as much caller information as possible.