DHS Scam Claims People Are Engaging in Illegal Activity

• The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is receiving numerous inquiries regarding Department of Homeland Security (DHS) scams. Criminals could be after your money, personal information or both.
• According to the reports from people targeted for the scams, criminals are impersonating DHS agents and claiming the victim engaged in illegal activity, including money laundering. The scammers review a list of common banks until they land on one the victim confirms they use.
• If you receive a threatening phone call from the DHS, hang up and report the call to the DHS and the Federal Trade Commission. The DHS will never call anyone with demands or requests for sensitive information.
• If you want to learn more, or believe you are the victim of a DHS scam, contact the ITRC at no cost by phone (888.400.5530) or live-chat. Just go to idtheftcenter.org to get started.

While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) typically issues fraud alerts or informs the public about the latest scams, criminals sometimes flip the script and impersonate representatives from the Department. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has received multiple inquiries about one particular DHS scam making the rounds that could be after your money and personal information.

Who are the Targets?

Phone users, email users and non-U.S. citizens

What is the Scam

Identity criminals impersonate DHS agents and claim the victim engaged in illegal activity such as money laundering through their financial account. The “agent” cycles through a list of common banks until they land on one the victim confirms they use. While the criminals use scare tactics, fortunately, no one who has reached out to the ITRC has fallen for the scam or given out any personal information.

What They Want

In DHS scams, criminals typically hope to steal your money or personal information. Personal information and bank account information can be used to commit an array of different identity crimes in your name.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

• The DHS will never call you with demands like those included in the current scams. If you receive a threatening call, hang up. Do not give them any money or personal information.
• Also, DHS Investigators do not solicit money over the phone. If you get a call like that, note the number, any other pertinent details about the call and then hang up.
• If you receive a DHS scam call or message, report them to the DHS Investigations Field Office, even if you did not fall for the scam. Scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at ftc.gov/.

To learn more about DHS scams, or if you believe you were the victim of a DHS scam, contact the ITRC toll-free by calling 888.400.5530. You can also visit the company website to live-chat with an expert advisor. Go to www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.