The latest phone scam is targeting Bay Area Indians. Here’s what to know

A new phone scam is targeting Indian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area, with callers posing as utility company representatives or government officials. The scammers demand immediate payment for alleged unpaid bills or threaten legal action, often using caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate.

Victims have reported receiving calls from numbers that appear to belong to local utility providers or federal agencies. The scammers typically ask for payment via prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, making the transactions difficult to trace.

Authorities advise residents to hang up immediately if they receive such calls and to verify any claims by contacting the company or agency directly using official phone numbers. They also warn against sharing personal or financial information over the phone.

The scam is part of a broader trend targeting immigrant communities, who may be more vulnerable due to language barriers or unfamiliarity with U.S. procedures. Community organizations are working to spread awareness through local media and social networks.