Chicago, IL, August 12, 2026 —

Chicago residents are being targeted by scammers posing as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) employees. The fraudulent communications, which occur via phone calls and text messages, aim to deceive individuals into believing their phone numbers are involved in criminal investigations.

These impersonators are reportedly contacting people and falsely stating that their phone numbers are under investigation for illicit activities. The ultimate goal of this scam appears to be the extortions of money or the acquisition of sensitive personal information from unsuspecting victims.

The Federal Communications Commission has not issued any official warnings or statements regarding this specific scam directly, however, it is a common tactic used by fraudsters to leverage the authority of government agencies to instill fear and urgency in their targets. Such scams often prey on individuals’ respect for and fear of law enforcement or regulatory bodies.

Authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls or texts, especially those claiming to be from government agencies. Legitimate government employees typically do not solicit personal information or demand immediate payment over the phone or via text.

If you receive a suspicious communication, it is recommended to verify the caller’s identity through official channels. Do not provide personal information or financial details. Residents who believe they may have been targeted or have fallen victim to such a scam are advised to report the incident to local law enforcement and consider filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).



Story summarized from the original created by Jason Knowles on abc7chicago.com, see more information here.

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