"Your Phone Number Is Linked to Fraud": The Fake FTC Call, Step by Step

The FTC warned in October 2026 about callers pretending to be FTC officials. Here is the full script they use, so you recognise it in the first ten seconds.

1. The opener

A caller says they are from the FTC and reads a badge number. The badge is fake, and caller ID can be faked too.

2. The accusation

They say a phone registered in your name is being used for scams in another country, and threaten to deactivate your number if you don't cooperate.

3. The fake police officer

You're transferred to a "police officer", or told to look up a police number online. Those calls reach the same scammers.

4. Secrecy and your ID

They ask for your ID and personal details for a "report" and tell you to keep it secret. The FTC says being told to keep a call secret is always a scam.

5. The money

Finally they say you're under arrest unless you send a "security deposit". Hang up, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Sources

FTC Consumer Alert (October 22, 2026), Clark.com and Bitdefender.

FAQ

Does the FTC ever call people?

Not to ask for money, threaten to cut off your phone, or ask you to keep a call secret. Any of those means it's a scam.

I already gave them information. What now?

Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov, and tell your bank if you shared any account details.