FBI Warnings and Information

09/18/2025 - GENERATIVE AI (GAI) - RISKS OF POTENTIAL ABUSE

Our partners at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children want to share information about Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) technology and how you can protect your children or grandchildren from GAI being used against them in scams, online bullying and in Sextortion schemes.  Visit https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/generative-ai to learn more about this technology. 

09/05/2025 - ABA FOUNDATION AND FBI RELEASE NEW INFOGRAPHIC TO HELP AMERICANS SPOT AND AVOID DEEPFAKE SCAMS

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers who exploit this technology to deceive and defraud consumers. Today, the American Bankers Association Foundation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a new infographic aimed at educating the public about the growing threat of deepfake scams.

The infographic highlights how AI-generated or manipulated media, including images, video and audio, can be used to impersonate trusted individuals.  Criminals may pose as loved ones, government officials, law enforcement personnel or even celebrities, often using fear and urgency to convince victims to send money or share sensitive information. Read more here: https://www.aba.com/about-us/press-room/press-releases/ABA-Foundation-and-FBI-Joint-Infographic-on-Deepfake-Scams

08/27/2025 - THINK BEFORE YOU POST - HOAX THREATS ARE SERIOUS FEDERAL CRIMES

“As the new school year begins, the FBI is reminding students that making a hoax threat against a school or other public place is a serious federal crime. Think before you post. Learn more here: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518. There is also a link to a video: https://youtu.be/WVnJ-SSKBSw”

 “A medida que comienza el nuevo año escolar, el FBI les recuerda a los estudiantes que hacer una amenaza falsa contra una escuela u otro lugar público es un delito federal grave. Piensa antes de publicar. Para más información: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/hoax-threats-awareness-100518. También hay un enlace a un video: https://youtu.be/WVnJ-SSKBSw”

08/15/2025 - BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATORS GO AFTER OLDER ADULTS' LIFE SAVINGS

Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings. They weave a web of lies about some bogus crisis. Then they trick older adults into giving them tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The scams start with lies designed to create a sense of urgency and fear. Read more about the lies here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/business-and-government-impersonators-go-after-older-adults-life-savings 

Los estafadores que se hacen pasar por representantes de agencias del gobierno o de negocios reconocidos están cada vez más interesados en los ahorros de toda la vida de las personas retiradas. Tejen una red de mentiras sobre alguna crisis falsa. Luego engañan a las personas mayores para que les den decenas o incluso cientos de miles de dólares. Las estafas comienzan con mentiras diseñadas para crear una sensación de urgencia y miedo. Lea más sobre las mentiras aquí.
https://consumidor.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/2025/07/los-impostores-que-se-hacen-pasar-por-negocios-y-por-el-gobierno-van-tras-los-ahorros-de-toda-la 

08/05/2025 - THE COM: THEFT, EXTORTION, AND VIOLENCE ARE A RISING THREAT TO YOUTH ONLINE

The FBI is warning the public about a growing and evolving online threat group known as The Com, short for The Community. The Com is a primarily English speaking, international, online ecosystem comprised of multiple interconnected networks whose members, many of whom are minors, engage in a variety of criminal violations. Read more at www.ic3.gov to stay safe: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250723-3 

07/28/2025 - BE SAFE WHEN SHARING BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHOTOS OF YOUR KIDS

Be safe when sharing back-to-school photos of your kids. Don't let the excitement of the first day of school cloud your judgement of online safety. Read more helpful tips here: https://www.bbb.org/all/consumer/tip/be-safe-sharing-back-to-school-photos 

07/08/2025 - CHARITY-AND-DISASTER-FRAUD

After natural disasters, scammers often exploit goodwill by posing as fake charities. These fraudsters misappropriate your donations rather than assisting those in need. It is essential to research before giving. Know the warning signs: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/charity-and-disaster-fraud 

07/01/2025 - SCHOLARSHIP SCAMS

Beware scholarship scams when searching for financial aid. Many students are still searching and applying for grants and scholarships to fund their college education. For students struggling to pay tuition, a sudden offer of a grant or scholarship can look like a dream come true. But it could be bait for a scam. Read more here: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/16922-bbb-tip-scholarship-scams

06/23/2025 - REAL ID SCAM

If you want to use your driver’s license to fly, you’ll need a REAL ID. If you don’t have one yet, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they’re only taking in-person appointments. So, YES, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam.  Read more about it here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/yes-going-dmv-only-way-avoid-real-id-scam 

06/09/2025 - RENTAL LISTING SCAMS

Are you moving to a new city or planning a vacation this summer? As you consider a rental's size, cost, and location, beware of rental scams. Scammers often advertise rentals that don't exist or aren't available to steal people's money. Learn more: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/rental-listing-scams 

06/02/2025 - BE AIR AWARE

If you're booking your getaway for summer break, make sure you stay aware while in the air. The #FBI investigates assaults and crimes that occur on board aircraft. Learn more: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/raising-awareness-sexual-assault-aboard-aircraft 

05/26/2025 - WEST TEXAS ANTI GANG CENTER

FBI-EP is a member of the West Texas Anti Gang Center. We work with our LEO partners to suppress and prosecute violent criminal gangs in the West TX region. If you have tips about gang activity in your neighborhood, you can submit tips anonymously to https://westtexasantigangcenter.org/default.aspx?MenuItemID=142&MenuGroup=Public+WTAGC 

05/19/2025 - FBI WARNS OF SCAMMERS IMPERSONATING THE IC3

The FBI warns the public about an ongoing fraud scheme where criminal scammers are impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to deceive and defraud individuals. Between December 2023 and February 2025, the FBI received more than 100 reports of IC3 impersonation scams. Read more a out this scam: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250418 

05/11/2025 - SUN, MAY 11, 2025 – SAT, MAY 17, 2025 IS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK

This week, the FBI recognizes National Police Week and honors the law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in service of their country.

Read more about the NATIONAL POLICE WEEK here

05/08/2025 - OPERATION RESTORE JUSTICE, CHILD SEX ABUSE OFFENDERS ARRESTED

Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators.  The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown.  The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.

 In the Western District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including Kevin Dale Franklin Jr. in El Paso, charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography; Zaid Mashhour Haddad and Mario Garcia Martinez in San Antonio, charged with access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography, respectively; James Christopher Hoyt in Austin, charged with distribution of material involved the sexual exploitation of children; and Dakota Gunther Vaught in Pecos, charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

 Read more about the initiative here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtx/pr/justice-department-announces-results-operation-restore-justice-205-child-sex-abuse

05/02/2025 - CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF FBI JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCES

Ever wonder how the FBI tracks down terrorists before they strike? Discover how our first Joint Terrorism Task Force began 45 years ago and how this FBI-led partnership has evolved to protect Americans from threats at home and abroad: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/celebrating-45-years-of-fbi-joint-terrorism-task-forces 

04/15/2025 - FBI TEEN ACADEMY

The #FBIEP Teen Academy is starting up! Any student with an interest in leadership/service is welcome to apply for this free opportunity. An interest in a law enforcement career is not a pre-requisite. For more info and to download the application, visit FBI.gov/EPOutreach. Applications due by May 16th.

04/01/2025 - MAJOR INCREASES IN CASH PAYMENTS TO GOVERNMENT IMPERSONATION SCAMMERS

In law enforcement impersonation scams, criminals may pose as law enforcement officers to steal personal information or defraud you of your hard-earned money. Always verify directly with authorities before providing personal or financial information. Learn more about it from our partners at FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/06/ftc-data-shows-major-increases-cash-payments-government-impersonation-scammers 

03/27/2025 - INDIVIDUALS TARGET TESLA VEHICLES AND DEALERSHIPS NATIONWIDE WITH ARSON, GUNFIRE, AND VANDALISM

The FBI is informing the public of recent nationwide incidents targeting Tesla electric vehicles (EV), dealerships, storage lots, and charging stations and encouraging those with information to contact 1-800-CALL FBI. Your identity can remain anonymous. Be aware of your surroundings when you travel to other cities even though no reports of this occurring in El Paso at this time. https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250321 

03/20/2025 - VIOLENT ONLINE NETWORKS TARGET VULNERABLE AND UNDERAGE POPULATIONS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AND AROUND THE GLOBE

The FBI is warning the public of a sharp increase in the activity of "764" and other violent online networks which operate within the United States and around the globe. These networks methodically target and exploit minors and other vulnerable individuals. Some of the violent actors in these online networks are motivated by a desire to cause fear and chaos through their criminal conduct and cause their victims to self-mutilate or commit suicide. However, motivations are highly individualized, and some threat actors may be engaging in criminal activity solely for sexual gratification, social status or a sense of belonging, or for a mix of other reasons that may not be ideologically motivated. Read more of this public service announcement here: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250306  

03/11/2025 - FRAUDULENT COMPOUNDING PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

The FBI warns the public of noncompliant healthcare providers, to include pharmacies, weight loss clinics, and medical spas, engaging in fraudulent compounding practices by unlawfully misrepresenting compounded weight loss drugs. These misrepresented drugs can pose safety risks and significant health consequences to patients, such as gastrointestinal disorders, nervous system disorders, cardiac disorders, psychiatric disorders, and death. Read more at: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250228 

03/03/2025 - SAT/ACT SCAMS

For parents of high school students, SAT and ACT scores are a huge deal. With college admissions and scholarships on the line, paying for tutors and test prep materials may be worth the price. But watch out for con artists eager to take advantage of this. Scammers – with access to kids’ names and school information – are tricking parents into paying for bogus SAT and ACT prep materials. Read more about this scam here: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/23883-bbb-scam-alert-watch-out-for-sat-prep-scams 

02/27/2025 - SEXTORTION

Kids and teens have the power to shut down predators online. Awareness of sextortion schemes, safe online behaviors, and a willingness to ask for help can keep you and your friends safe. Use our resources to learn more about how to stay safe by going to fbi.gov/sextortion 

02/20/2025 - OPERATION LEVEL UP (CRYPTO SCAMS)

Have you recently...

• Met someone online

• Built a friendship or relationship

• Followed their advice to invest in #crypto?

It might be a scam! The #FBI is stepping in with Operation Level Up to alert victims before it’s too late.
Learn more at fbi.gov/levelup

01/29/2025 - ROMANCE SCAMS

Love is in the air! But not everyone on dating sites is looking for love. Does your online match keep asking you to send money for “investments” using crypto? Chances are its cryptocurrency investment fraud—AKA “pig butchering”—one of today’s most prevalent scams. Learn more at www.fbi.gov/romancescams 

01/29/2025 - MAIL THEFT-RELATED CHECK FRAUD IS ON THE RISE

The FBI and USPIS are alerting the public that check fraud is increasing, largely due to mail theft. Suspicious Activity Reports for check fraud have almost doubled from 2021 to 2023. For more information on this issue, visit: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250127 

01/23/2025 - HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Anyone can be a victim of #HumanTrafficking. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to exploit victims. Learn how to protect yourself and those you love at: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking

Cualquiera puede ser víctima de #TrataHumana. Los traficantes usan violencia, manipulación, y promesas falsas sobre trabajos o relaciones amorosas para explotar a sus víctimas. Conozca cómo protegerse visitando: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/violent-crime/human-trafficking

01/15/2025 - CHARITY AND DISASTER FRAUD

With all eyes on California during the LA Fires, our hearts are with the communities affected by this tragedy. If you plan to donate, be vigilant—scammers may try to steal your contributions. Protect your generosity. Learn more: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/charity-and-disaster-fraud. 

12/30/2024 - HAPPY NEW YEAR

FBI El Paso wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

¡El FBI El Paso les desea a todas un feliz año nuevo!

12/24/2024 - HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON

FBI El Paso wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season!

¡El FBI El Paso les desea a todos unas felices y seguras fiestas navideñas!

12/16/2024 - Scammers Are Committing Hospice Fraud

Did someone reach out and offer free, in-home perks like cooking and cleaning in exchange for your Medicare number? Don’t give it. That could be a scammer trying to commit hospice fraud. Our partners at Federal Trade Commission discuss this new scam. Read more about it here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/you-heard-correctly-scammers-are-committing-hospice-fraud

¿Alguien se comunicó contigo y te ofreció beneficios gratuitos a domicilio, como servicios de cocina y limpieza, a cambio de tu número de Medicare? No se lo des. Podría ser un estafador intentando cometer un fraude relacionado con cuidados paliativos. Lea más sobre esto aquí: https://consumidor.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/2024/12/has-oido-bien-los-estafadores-estan-cometiendo-fraudes-relacionados-con-cuidados-paliativos

+++ Happy Thanksgiving from the FBI El Paso +++

FBIElPaso wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! 

 El #FBI le desea a usted y a su familia un Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias! 

11/21/2024 - Holiday Shopping Safety

As you shop this #holiday season, beware of deals that seem too good to be true! Scammers are out in full force. Read the #FBI's top tips to stay ahead of scammers and protect your hard-earned money at www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.

Al hacer sus compras navideñas, ¡cuidado con las ofertas que parecen demasiado buenas para ser verdad! Los estafadores andan por ahí. Lea los consejos principales del FBI para mantenerse por delante de los estafadores y proteger su dinero en el sitio web www.fbi.gov/holidayscams.

10/31/2024 - Email Or Social Media Hacked? Here’s What To Do

Hackers target your email and social media accounts to steal your personal information. Like your username and password, bank or credit card account numbers, or Social Security number. If they get it, they use it to commit identity theft, spread malware, or scam other people. So, what are signs that someone hacked your account, and how can you recover a stolen account? Check out these helpful tips from FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/email-or-social-media-hacked-heres-what-do

 Los piratas informáticos apuntan a tus cuentas de email y redes sociales para robarte tu información personal. Como, por ejemplo, tu nombre de usuario y contraseña, números de cuenta de banco o de tarjeta de crédito, o número de Seguro Social. Si lo logran, usan esos datos para cometer robo de identidad, distribuir programas maliciosos o estafar a otras personas. Entonces, ¿cuáles son las señales que indican que alguien pirateó tu cuenta y cómo puedes recuperar una cuenta robada? https://consumidor.ftc.gov/alertas-para-consumidores/2024/10/cuentas-de-email-y-redes-sociales-pirateadas-esto-es-lo-que-tienes-que-hacer

10/24/2024 - Spook-tacular Halloween Safety Tips

Between the costumes, masks, and nighttime crowds, Halloween can overwhelm a safety-conscious parent. But fear not! The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has some simple advice to help adults prepare to keep kids safer this Halloween. https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2022/spook-tacular-halloween-safet-tips 

09/19/2024 - Grandparents Scam

"I’m in trouble and need money! Don’t tell my parents; they’ll only get upset!” The “Grandparents Scam” preys on older Americans—taking advantage of their love and concern for their grandchildren. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones at https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/the-grandparent-scam 

09/19/2024 - Fake Work-From-Home Jobs

There's no such thing as #EasyMoney. You may think you just got a simple #WorkFromHome gig doing something like rating restaurants or clicking buttons, but scammers will ensure your #PayDay never comes. Learn how to protect yourself from fake jobs at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/cryptocurrency-job-scams

 No existe el #DineroFácil. Puede pensar que acaba de conseguir un simple trabajo #WorkFromHome haciendo algo como calificar restaurantes o hacer clic en botones, pero los estafadores se asegurarán de que su #PayDay nunca llegue. Aprenda cómo protegerse de trabajos falsos en https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/national-crimes-and-victim-resources/cryptocurrency-job-scams (El texto está en inglés.)

09/12/2024 - Cryptocurrency Fraud Report

In 2023, the #FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received more than 69,000 complaints regarding financial fraud involving cryptocurrency, such as bitcoin, ether, or tether. Estimated losses totaled more than $5.6 billion. Newest #FBI press release: https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/fbi-publishes-2023-cryptocurrency-fraud-report 

09/06/2024 - Fraud Panic

STOP! Take a moment to breathe deeply in and out. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush you into acting quickly, making it harder to recognize the scam. Stay alert and protect yourself by learning more about how to spot and avoid scams at https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety 

¡DETENGASE! Tome un momento para respirar y pensar. Los estafadores buscan crear un sentido de urgencia para obligarlo a que actúe de prisa y no pueda identificar la estafa. Manténgase alerta y protéjase aprendiendo como identificar y evitar estafas. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety