The Voicemail Scam That Sounds Official
A growing number of people are receiving voicemails from someone claiming to be a government official, often identifying themselves as part of the “Department of Criminal Justice” or a similar authority. The message is polite, even professional, and references returning a call the recipient supposedly made.
Except the thing is… that call never happened.
The scammer may use the recipient's name and leave a callback number that seems legitimate on the surface. This type of voicemail is not just confusing; it is designed to catch people off guard, stir up anxiety, and prompt a quick response. Of course, that's exactly what the scammer is counting on.
How the Scam Works Behind the Scenes
This kind of phone scam typically begins with basic information pulled from public records, online directories, or data broker websites. Believe it or not, there isn’t much the scammer needs to know to pull off this heist. Basically all they really need is a name and phone number to craft a message that feels personal.
Once the voicemail is received, the illusion of authority takes over. The scammer might claim to be following up on a missed call, warn of a pending arrest, or say the recipient owes money to a federal agency. From there, the pressure builds. They offer a convenient way to resolve the issue, as long as the person agrees to make an immediate payment.
Rather than asking for a check or credit card, the scammer often insists on payment through wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency. These methods are difficult to trace and impossible to reverse. They may also attempt to gather sensitive personal information under the pretense of “verifying identity,” putting victims at risk for future fraud and identity theft.
The calm voice, the official tone, the urgency… it’s all just a part of a clever script. The goal is to create just enough doubt to get someone to act before they can process what’s really being said.
Why You Should Never Return the Call
Calling back confirms to the scammer that the number is active and that the recipient is potentially vulnerable. This can lead to further contact, more aggressive tactics, and an increased risk of losing money or personal data.
In some cases, returning the call can also trigger robocall systems that harvest voice recordings or connect the person to other scammers. Even hanging up does not always end the interaction. Once flagged as a responsive target, individuals may find themselves receiving additional scam attempts from different sources.
If a voicemail claims to be from a government agency, the safest step is to verify it independently. Instead of using the number provided in the message, find the agency’s official contact information on a government website like USA.gov. Legitimate agencies do not request payments through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or over-the-phone pressure tactics.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Message
The most important things to do are to stay calm and never respond directly to the message. Instead, report it. Agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission collect information on scams like this and use the reports to track and disrupt fraudulent operations.
If you’re unsure whether a call or message is real, consult someone you trust. Friends, family members, or even local law enforcement can often help verify suspicious claims. Sometimes just talking it out with someone else can clarify what felt confusing in the moment.
The Bottom Line: Trust But Verify
These scams work because they prey on fear, confusion, and the appearance of authority. The scammers don’t need to break into a system or hack an account. They just need to make someone believe something that isn’t true long enough to get paid.
Understanding how the scam works is the first step to avoiding it. Knowing not to call back, not to provide personal information, and not to react in haste can make all the difference.
While fraud tactics continue to evolve, a skeptical pause and a quick fact check remain among the most powerful tools in staying safe. Always verify first, and let the fake “officials” talk to your voicemail indefinitely.