By the Securify teamPublished Oct 25, 2026. 2 min read.
The safe move
Hang up. The FTC says it won't call to cut off your phone or ask you for money. Don't call any number the caller tells you to look up. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Incoming callFederal Trade Commission (caller ID)
This is Officer Dan Lane with the Federal Trade Commission, badge number 4471-X2. A phone registered under your name and number is being used for scams in another country. If you don't cooperate today, we will deactivate your number1. I'm transferring you to the police to file a report. Please keep this call confidential3.
What gives it away
1
A threat to cut off your phone
The FTC says a real employee won't threaten to disconnect your phone.
2
Reading off a badge ID
The FTC says these callers read a fake badge ID to sound official. A badge number proves nothing.
3
Told to keep it secret
The FTC says a real employee won't tell you to keep your conversations secret.
4
Handed off to police
The transfer is part of the script. Even a number they tell you to search for can lead back to the scammers.
Pretends to be
An FTC official, then a police officer
Arrives by
Phone call
After
Your ID, personal details and a security deposit
Main source
Federal Trade Commission, Oct 22, 2026
What’s going on
On Oct 22, 2026, the FTC warned of callers posing as FTC officials. They say a phone in your name is tied to scams abroad, read a fake badge ID and threaten to cut off your number. They pass you to a fake police officer, or tell you what to search to find the police number, so scammers answer. Then they claim you face arrest unless you pay a security deposit. The FTC says real staff won't ask for money, threaten your phone or demand secrecy.
If you already talked to them
Stop answering calls and texts from them. Don't send any money or deposit.
If you shared your ID or Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
If you paid, call your bank or card company right away using the number on your card.
Tell someone you trust what happened. The secrecy is part of the scam.
Safe move: Don’t engage. The FTC says real payments arrive on their own by Venmo, PayPal or check, with no claim forms or fees. If you expect one, open the payment app yourself to check.
