The FBI Anchorage Field Office has issued a public warning after seeing a sharp increase in fraud cases targeting residents across Alaska. According to federal authorities, scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and government officials in an effort to extort money or steal sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.
The warning comes as reports continue to rise involving unsolicited phone calls where criminals falsely claim to represent agencies such as the FBI or other local, state, and federal law enforcement bodies operating in Alaska. These scams fall under a broader category of law enforcement impersonation scams, which rely heavily on fear, urgency, and deception.
How the Phone Scam Works
Scammers typically contact victims using spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate. In many cases, callers accuse individuals of failing to report for jury duty or missing a court appearance. Victims are then told that an arrest warrant has been issued in their name.
To avoid immediate arrest or legal consequences, the caller demands payment of a supposed fine. Victims are pressured to act quickly, often being told they must resolve the issue immediately. According to the FBI, these criminals may also provide fake court documents or reference personal details about the victim to make the scam appear more convincing.
In more advanced cases, scammers may use artificial intelligence tools to enhance their impersonation tactics. This includes generating realistic voices or presenting professionally formatted documents that appear to come from official government sources. These methods have contributed to the growing sophistication of government impersonation scams nationwide.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
Authorities note that these scams most often occur through phone calls and emails. Criminals commonly use aggressive language and insist on speaking only with the targeted individual. Victims are often told not to discuss the call with family members, friends, banks, or law enforcement agencies.
Payment requests are another key red flag. Scammers typically demand money through methods that are difficult to trace or reverse. These include cash deposits at cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid gift cards, wire transfers, or direct cryptocurrency payments. The FBI has emphasized that legitimate government agencies never request payment through these channels.
FBI Clarifies What Law Enforcement Will Not Do
The FBI has reiterated that it does not call members of the public to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Any call claiming otherwise should be treated as fraudulent. This clarification is a central part of the FBI’s broader FBI scam warning Alaska residents are being urged to take seriously.
Impact of Government Impersonation Scams
Data from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) highlights the scale of the problem. In 2024 alone, IC3 received more than 17,000 complaints related to government impersonation scams across the United States. Reported losses from these incidents exceeded $405 million nationwide.
Alaska has not been immune. Reported victim losses in the state surpassed $1.3 million, underscoring the financial and emotional impact these scams can have on individuals and families.
How Alaskans Can Protect Themselves
To reduce the risk of falling victim, the FBI urges residents to “take a beat” before responding to any unsolicited communication. Individuals should resist pressure tactics and take time to verify claims independently.
The FBI strongly advises against sharing or confirming personally identifiable information with anyone contacted unexpectedly. Alaskans are also cautioned never to send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other assets in response to unsolicited demands.
What to Do If You Are Targeted
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized should immediately stop communicating with the scammer. Victims should notify their financial institutions, secure their accounts, contact local law enforcement, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Prompt reporting can help limit losses and prevent others from being targeted.
