Chicago FBI Warning: Watch Out For Fake Federal Agents

If you want to buy yourself a windbreaker emblazoned with the letters FBI on the back, no one is going to stop you, and you won't be in trouble. However, using that windbreaker and/or a phony FBI identification to trick someone into thinking that you're a genuine federal agent is an entirely different story.

For the second time in about a month, the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is warning residents about a troubling and increasingly sophisticated scam: criminals posing as federal agents to steal money and personal information.

If this sounds familiar, it should. We told you about a similar warning just weeks ago, but the fact that authorities are sounding the alarm again means this scam isn’t slowing down. In fact, it may be gaining traction.

These Particular Scammers Are Going To Great Lengths To Appear Legitimate

They’re using convincing props like FBI-branded windbreakers and badges, and in some cases, even spoofing official phone numbers to make it look like calls are coming directly from the FBI’s Chicago office.

Here’s how the scam typically works: a victim may first get a call from someone claiming to be from their bank, warning of suspicious activity. That call is then “transferred” to someone posing as an FBI agent. From there, things escalate quickly.

Victims are often pressured to stay on the line, sometimes even switching to video calls on platforms like Zoom or WhatsApp. The scammers create a sense of urgency and secrecy by telling victims not to talk to anyone else and to act immediately or face serious consequences.

Next Comes The Part Where The "FBI Agent" Wants Something From You

The fake agents may demand access to your bank accounts, request payments via credit card, or instruct victims to move money into cryptocurrency, methods that are notoriously difficult to trace or recover.

Here’s the most important thing to remember: real federal agents will never ask you for money or sensitive personal information over the phone or online.

The FBI is urging anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and independently verify the agent’s identity by contacting the agency directly. Even if the number on your caller ID looks official, it can be faked.