Scammers Pose as FTC to Deactivate Your Phone Number

What is happening

Scammers are pretending to be officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They claim that your phone number is being used in scams abroad.

How the scam works

The scammer calls you, saying they are from the FTC. They tell you a phone registered to your number is involved in fraud in another country. They might read off a fake badge ID to sound convincing.

How to spot it

If someone says they are from the FTC and threatens to deactivate your phone number, it is likely a scam. Real officials do not make such calls.

What to do

Hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal information. Remember, the FTC will not threaten to deactivate your phone number.