Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Warns of New Spoofing Scam

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is warning of a new phone scam.

The caller is impersonating an agent from the BCA, claiming to be working a case from out of state. The person may have certain personal details about whoever they’re calling, and the number from which they are calling may match a BCA phone number, but the caller is not connected to the agency.

“These people are taking advantage of Minnesotans and stealing their identities, while pretending to be someone who can help. It can be devastating for Minnesota families,” BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “We are spreading the word in the hopes that forewarning can help Minnesotans stop these scams in their tracks.”

Scammers exploit phone number spoofing technology to make calls while posing as FBI and BCA agents. By manipulating the caller ID to match the official numbers of these law enforcement agencies, the scammers have successfully deceived unsuspecting targets.

“A legitimate BCA agent will encourage you to call the main phone number and confirm their identity. If the person who called doesn’t want you to do that, hang up the phone. It’s a scammer,” Evans said.

Learn more about how to protect yourself against such scams by clicking here.

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