FBI warns of phone scam targeting Central California residents

The FBI field office in Sacramento is warning of a phone scam targeting Northern and Central California residents.

The agency received multiple reports of callers impersonating government agencies and demanding money. Caller ID information is manipulated during the calls to appear as though it is a legitimate agency calling, and the caller has also told victims to check the internet to verify the number, the FBI said.

During the call, the scammer tells victims that unless a payment is made by prepaid card or gift card, charges will be filed or they will be arrested.

Scams can vary, but most involve intimidation tactics that coerce victims to hand over personal information or money, the FBI said.

Federal agencies do not call or email individuals to collect money, the FBI said. Anyone receiving a call like this should hang up immediately and report the call to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 7:08 PM with the headline "FBI warns of phone scam targeting Central California residents."