Adam S. Lee, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Richmond Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is warning consumers to be on alert for a prolific phone scam.

The Richmond FBI has received multiple calls from the community complaining of a phone scam involving someone calling them claiming to represent the U.S. government who threatens to arrest them if they fail to pay thousands of dollars. The originating number used by the fraudsters often appears on caller ID, as the number for an FBI field office.

The public is reminded that the FBI does not call private citizens requesting money. If citizens receive a call that seems suspicious, they should disconnect immediately and notify law enforcement.

If you receive one of these calls, do not follow the caller’s instructions. Instead, you should:

• Notify your banking institutions.
• Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file.
• Contact your local law enforcement agency if you feel you are in immediate danger.
• File a complaint at www.IC3.gov.