Financial Wellness
Scam Alert: Digital Arrests
A dangerous scheme known as "digital arrest" is targeting banks, credit union members, and credit card customers across the U.S. It's a combination of two specific types of crime: government impersonation and threats of violence.
In this scenario, scammers use extreme psychological pressure, shame, and fear to trick victims into handing over their life savings.
In this scenario, scammers use extreme psychological pressure, shame, and fear to trick victims into handing over their life savings.
How the scam works
The Initial Contact: You receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank or credit union's fraud department. They claim a new account was opened in your name or that your card was used in a severe crime—such as purchasing illegal weapons, money laundering, or child exploitation.Stay alert
Always pause before sharing personal data via text or voice calls you did not initiate, even if the caller ID reads "Tower Federal Credit Union." If you receive a call and/or a text message from Tower's phone number, and you are suspicious or concerned by information being asked of you, please hang up and contact us directly to confirm the call at 866-56-TOWER.
The Fake Law Enforcement Transfer: To create credibility, the caller offers to transfer you directly to an "FBI agent" or police officer. This transfer is the primary red flag; you are simply being handed off to a co-conspirator.
Intimidation: The fake officers threaten immediate prosecution, forbid you from telling anyone, and enforce "digital arrest" protocols—such as mandatory video check-ins multiple times a day via Webex or Zoom. This kind of scam can create a powerful psychological impact, combining the fear of disobeying a police officer or federal agent with the perceived threat of imminent danger.
The Financial Extortion: Once isolated, you are pressured into the cyber portion of the scam: transferring funds, purchasing cryptocurrency, or wiring money to clear your name or protect your assets.
Know That Financial Institutions Do Not Transfer to Police: Financial institutions will never transfer your phone call directly to local police, the FBI, or federal prosecutors.
Never Send Money: Real police or federal agencies will never ask for wire transfers, crypto, gift cards, or cash to clear your name.
Intimidation: The fake officers threaten immediate prosecution, forbid you from telling anyone, and enforce "digital arrest" protocols—such as mandatory video check-ins multiple times a day via Webex or Zoom. This kind of scam can create a powerful psychological impact, combining the fear of disobeying a police officer or federal agent with the perceived threat of imminent danger.
The Financial Extortion: Once isolated, you are pressured into the cyber portion of the scam: transferring funds, purchasing cryptocurrency, or wiring money to clear your name or protect your assets.
How to stay safe
Hang Up and Verify: If you receive an alarming call, hang up immediately. Call using the phone number printed directly on the back of your credit or debit card.Know That Financial Institutions Do Not Transfer to Police: Financial institutions will never transfer your phone call directly to local police, the FBI, or federal prosecutors.
Never Send Money: Real police or federal agencies will never ask for wire transfers, crypto, gift cards, or cash to clear your name.
Digital arrests are fake
U.S. law enforcement agencies do not arrest people over the phone, demand webcam check-ins, or forbid you from walking into a real police station. Contact us, and your local police department or official government agency directly using verified numbers from official websites—not numbers provided by the caller.References: Frank on Fraud, Justin V.
