Scammers Threaten Arrest Overseas After Fake FTC Phone Call

A caller says your phone number is tied to scams in another country. Soon, you’re supposedly under arrest and being told to travel overseas — unless you pay a “security deposit.” And unlike with your landlord, you won’t get it back.

That’s the latest twist in a scheme targeting Americans with calls from people pretending to be Federal Trade Commission (FTC) officials. The agency says the claims are fake, and the callers are after your personal information and money.^[1]

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How the fake FTC phone scam works

The call begins with someone claiming to be an FTC official. They say a phone registered under your name and number is being used to commit scams in another country.

The caller may read out a fake badge number and threaten to deactivate your phone number if you don’t cooperate, according to the FTC.

Next, the impersonator transfers you to a supposed police officer to file a report. If you hesitate, the caller may tell you to search online for the police department’s number and call it yourself.

That callback can make the story feel more credible, but the FTC says scam callers answer the phone. Following the caller’s search instructions isn’t independent verification.

The fake officer asks for your ID and other personal information for the supposed report and tells you to keep the conversation secret. Later, the scammers claim you’re under arrest over the alleged phone scams and must travel to another country.

Then comes the demand: Send money for a “security deposit” to avoid the trip.

The FTC says none of the story is true. A real FTC employee won’t threaten to disconnect your phone, ask you to send money, or tell you to keep your conversation secret.

Scammers often pose as government officials to pressure people into handing over money or sensitive information. In this case, they use the threat of losing your phone number to draw you into a bigger story.

What to do if you get the call

Hang up. Don’t provide identification, account details, or payment, even if the caller gives you a badge number or claims they'll transfer you to the police.

If you want to check a claim, look up the agency’s official contact information yourself. Don’t rely on a number the caller gives you or search instructions they provide.

You can report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also block scam calls, although a new caller or number may still get through.

What if you shared information or sent money?

If you paid, contact the bank, card issuer or other company you used to send the money as soon as possible. Tell its fraud department what happened and ask whether it can stop or reverse the transaction.

If you shared sensitive personal information, visit IdentityTheft.gov for guidance based on what was exposed. If you see a fraudulent account or charge, contact the company involved and explain that someone may have stolen your identity.

You can also place a free credit freeze with each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A freeze restricts access to your credit report and makes it harder for someone to open a new credit account in your name.

If you find signs that someone has misused your information, take steps to recover from identity theft, including reporting it and reviewing your accounts for unfamiliar activity.

An identity theft protection service may alert you to certain signs of misuse, depending on what it monitors. It can’t take back information you’ve already shared or guarantee that fraud won’t happen, so consider it alongside steps like checking your accounts and freezing your credit.

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Author Details

Thomas Kent

About the Author

Thomas Kent is a multi-disciplined reporter with over a decade of experience covering online platforms, digital trends, and consumer-facing tech. Tom focuses on digital privacy, data tracking, and user behavior, with a particular interest in how cookies, online surveillance, and platform design shape the modern internet experience. His reporting takes a research-driven, news-focused approach, translating complex technical topics into clear, accessible insights.