The FBI Philadelphia Field Office is again warning the public to be on alert for a phone scam that spoofs, or fakes, the FBI’s name and real telephone number on the recipient’s caller ID.

Recently, a scammer has targeted South Jersey residents, claiming to be with the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency in Cherry Hill.

The intended victim is told there’s a federal warrant out for their arrest, which will be thrown out in exchange for immediate payment. Area residents have reported being scammed out of money, gift cards, and personally identifiable information (PII).

For years, FBI field offices across the country have received reports of similar calls, showing local FBI phone numbers. The caller says they’re an FBI agent and demands money—for school loans, back taxes, even unpaid parking tickets. The caller often knows the name, background, and personal cell phone number of the intended victim.

Please know that the FBI does not call or email people to demand money or threaten arrest.

To avoid becoming the victim of a scam like this:

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls
• 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 makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up

Victims of phone or online scams can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.