Fake FBI Video Meetings: The New Twist on Agent Scams

TL;DR: On September 29, 2026 the FBI's Newark field office warned that criminals posing as FBI, DEA and Secret Service agents are spoofing field office phone numbers and using real agents' names. When victims call to verify, the person answering may confirm the story. Some scammers also hold fake video meetings with FBI office backdrops and official seals.

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What FBI Newark announced

In a warning dated September 29, 2026, the FBI Newark Field Office said criminals are pretending to be FBI, DEA and Secret Service agents in order to steal money. They spoof the phone numbers of federal field offices and use the names of real agents.

The twist is verification. When a victim phones the office to check, the person who answers confirms that the agent works there, which makes the story look checked. Some scammers go further and run virtual meetings with FBI office backdrops and official seals.

Red flags

Any caller claiming federal authority who asks you to send money.
A caller ID that matches a real field office.
A video meeting that uses an office backdrop or seal as proof.
Pressure to act before you can speak to anyone else.

What the FBI advises

Never send money to anyone claiming a law enforcement affiliation. If you cannot reach your local office, contact headquarters in Washington, D.C. or use toll-free 800 numbers, including 1-800-CALL-FBI. Do not rely on a number the caller supplied, and end the contact first.

A confirmed name at a real office is not proof, so treat the money demand as the giveaway. The same logic runs through our guides on social security impersonation calls, the fake FTC refund recovery scam and how to protect elderly parents from phone scams.

Where to report

The FBI asks people to report virtual-meeting scams at FBI Tips. You can also file at FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and see how to report a scam to the IC3 for what to include. If you sent money, call your bank right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did FBI Newark warn about?

Criminals posing as FBI, DEA and Secret Service agents who spoof field office phone numbers, use real agents' names and sometimes hold fake video meetings with FBI backdrops.

Can I trust a field office number that calls me?

No. The warning says scammers spoof those numbers, so end the call and contact the FBI yourself.

Would the FBI ever ask me for money?

The FBI advises never sending money to anyone claiming law enforcement affiliation.

How do I report a fake video meeting?

Report virtual-meeting scams at tips.fbi.gov, and you can also file at ic3.gov.

FBI Newark Warns of Fake Agents Who Spoof Office Numbers and Stage Video Meetings