The data shows that government impersonation scams are a growing problem in the US.
Chinese citizens have been accused of impersonating the US yuan in an attempt to conquer New York residents of $98,000.
The St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office in Canton, New York, announced on May 23 that the Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested China National Qi Ting two days ago and charged him with a second-degree attempted grand larceny.
Authorities say the suspect was arrested before he could collect money from local residents as part of a personal fraud as an individual marshal.
The Sheriff’s Office was supported by several agencies, including the New York State Police, the U.S. Border Patrol and the Canton Police Department.
“Law enforcement agencies never require cash payments,” the sheriff’s office warned. If someone claiming to be a civil servant is under pressure, they advised to contact local authorities or reach out to official channels.
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For years, US officials have warned the public about criminals pretending to be government or law enforcement officials.
“Cheaters use many different tactics to sound reliable. They may provide information such as badge numbers, the names of actual law enforcement officers and federal judges, and court addresses,” the US ex-s.
According to the FBI, the fraudster tells the victim that he is investigating and that he is involved in the crime or that his Social Security number has been suspended.
Data shows a surprising increase in government impersonation scams in recent years.
According to an FTC report, consumers reported that in 2023 they lost $76 million in cash payments to the scammer.
“The key facts are: Government agencies will not call, email, text or message social media to ask for money or personal information. They will not request payment. Only scammers will do that,” the FTC wrote in the report.
