Scam Alert: ICE Claiming Investigation
I just received a call today w/ caller ID: Dhs ICE from their office in a state I don't live in (but I have visited before).
Their method of verifying their legitimacy was to point me to the ice.gov website, then go to the "Contact Us" section and identify the field office they're calling from, which was only 1 number off from the number you can see online.
They were telling me someone had a passport issued in another country in my name and that there's an ongoing investigation. They provided their name, badge number (which I cannot verify), and told me I cannot answer any calls while I'm on the phone with them and if disconnected, wait for them to call back, then said I cannot transfer any money more than $500 during these 5 days. They added another person, their supervisor, to confirm I understand this process.
They also asked me not go let anyone know I am under investigation and if anyone is in the room with me, just tell them I'm doing an interview.
They asked to confirm my first and last name, if I traveled internationally, if I suspect my data was leaked online and where, the names of the banking institutions I have credit cards in, any names of brokerage accounts I own, my zip code, and whether I own or rent.
I asked for a case number so I can log into the ICE or IRS portal regarding their investigation and they said there isn't one because the case was just opened today. I also asked if my case could be transferred to a field office in my state and they refused saying my case is under their jurisdiction.
They threatened that I must provide information or else I have to answer to the local police department (most likely bc I disclosed my zip code) and get detained with a warrant for not cooperating. I didn't do anything wrong, so I don't see why that would be an issue.
I ultimately did not move forward with the call because my husband spoke up saying this was a scam. They hung up.
Please be careful, everyone.