FBI warns of scam targeting victims with fake hospitals and police

In one elaborate scheme, fraudsters posing as hospital staff claim victims' identities are linked to Chinese crime rings, then transfer calls to fake police demanding wire transfers, complete with fake IDs and encrypted app requests.

One common trick involves someone posing as an official from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, using fake names like "Jaime Quin," who asks for sensitive information such as your Social Security number or bank details.

Protecting yourself from scams starts with these critical defenses; each is designed to shut down fraudsters before they gain a foothold on your personal information or money.

1. Stay calm: If you think a scammer is calling you, it's important to stay calm and not let yourself get emotional. It's very easy to get worked up when you're in the middle of this situation. If it happens, you can always say you will get back to them and hang up the phone. If they become aggressive and try to exploit you, tell them you will report them and hang up.

2. Avoid unknown contact numbers: Never call phone numbers that appear in pop-ups, unsolicited texts or emails. These numbers often belong to scammers trying to trick you into sharing personal information or making payments. Instead, always verify contact details through official websites or trusted sources before reaching out.

3. Download warning: Do not download software at the request of unknown individuals who contact you. Installing unknown programs can introduce malware or give scammers a way to steal your personal information.

4. Security precaution: Do not allow unknown individuals access to your computer. Granting remote access can give scammers control over your files and personal information, putting your security at serious risk.

7. Never send money or valuables to strangers: Avoid wiring cash, sending gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other assets to people you've only met online or over the phone. Scammers often pressure victims for these untraceable payments, so always be cautious and verify who you're dealing with before sending anything.

If you believe you've been contacted by scammers impersonating the FBI, hospitals, police or other trusted entities, it's crucial to act quickly.

Reporting scams not only helps protect you but also assists law enforcement in identifying and stopping these criminals. 

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