It all started with a call from a man claiming to be an “ICE Agent” from Homeland Security. He informed me that there was an arrest warrant out for me due to my alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme in Pennsylvania.
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He directed me to the official ICE website (Ice.gov) and asked me to navigate to the Clinton County Correctional Facility Philadelphia Field Office to find their office number, which was (570) 547-6903. He then asked me to check my phone’s caller ID, which matched the office number, as proof of his legitimacy. I believed him, especially since the caller ID matched the official number.
Suddenly, another call came through from an unrecognized number, so I let it go to voicemail since I was already speaking with the “ICE agent” about someone using my identity to commit international crimes.
Agent James then asked why I didn’t answer the call. I was surprised he knew someone was trying to reach me, but I thought maybe the FBI was already monitoring my phone activities. I explained that I let it go to voicemail because I was talking to him. He then instructed me to google the phone number, which turned out to be from the Phoenix Police precinct. Agent James told me to hang up and call that number back to see what was going on. When I called, a female voice informed me that they were investigating a money laundering case involving my name. I mentioned that I was just talking to an FBI agent, and she asked me to have him email her, stating that I was under his investigation. She also said she would send him a copy of my arrest warrant.
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After getting off the phone with the female officer, I proceeded to dial the ICE field office number, but a Florida phone number (561-918-1529) came in—it was Agent James. He said it was his personal cell number for easier communication. He then emailed me a copy of the arrest warrant, without even asking for my email address. I figured they probably had all my information, so it made sense that he had my email. He told me to open the email and look at the warrant. It looked legitimate to me because I didn’t know what a real arrest warrant looked like.
Agent James mentioned that the police could arrive within the next hour to arrest me, but I could post an “Immigration Bond.” He had me read about it on the official Homeland Security website, explaining that I could either be arrested and sit in jail for a few days while the investigation was completed or post bail on the “Immigration Bond.”
At this point, I started to get suspicious, especially since we were now talking about money. While still on the phone with him, I googled “immigration bond scam,” and the first result was an official report about scammers impersonating ICE agents. The scenario described in the article was almost identical to what was happening to me!
Agent James asked if I was still there and if I had my credit card with me. I lied and said I didn’t have it because I left it at home, even though it was in my wallet. I wanted to go home and talk to my partner about this. Agent James insisted on staying on the phone with me while I drove home to get my wallet. Meanwhile, I continued reading the article, and it became clear that this was an elaborate and believable hoax. I also noticed that the arrest warrant didn’t have my middle name, which further confirmed my suspicions.
Once again, I don’t know much about arrest warrants, and I was curious if the police include the criminal’s full name on them. This gave me an idea to test “Agent James.” I asked him if he knew everything about me, and he confidently said yes. So, I asked him if he knew my full name. He replied, “Tony Hoiem.” I told him that wasn’t technically correct because I have a middle name (which is unusual, and I prefer to keep private). I pressed him again, asking for my full name, including my middle name, since Homeland Security should have that information. Unfortunately, “Agent James” couldn’t answer and hung up on me!
I want to share this experience to help prevent others from falling victim to this type of scam. I almost fell for it myself. The fact that they managed to spoof an official government phone number on my caller ID is both impressive and frightening.
Needless to say, I reported this incident, including his phone number and fake name, to the actual Homeland Security. While speaking with a real agent, I asked if ICE agents would ever call me if I had committed a crime. The answer was no; I would either receive something in the mail or agents would show up at my doorstep. Good to know!
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