ISF Warns of (Another) New Scam Targeting Lebanese People: What Is It?

Lebanon’s scammers are getting more creative. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) have issued a new warning about a phone scam where callers pretend to be from a police station. They try to scare people into sending money.

How the scam works

1. The call. You get a call from an unknown number. The caller says they’re contacting you from Hobeich police station (Makhfar Hobeich) or another station.
2. The accusation. They claim they have proof that you’ve been in contact with a drug dealer. This is meant to panic you right away.
3. The “senior officer.” They then pass the phone to someone posing as a higher-ranking officer. This person says the matter is serious and “needs to be handled.”
4. The “lawyer.” Finally, someone else comes on the line claiming to be a lawyer. They say they can make the case go away, but only if you send money through a money transfer.

The ISF has confirmed that this is a scam.

How to protect yourself

• Real police don’t settle cases over the phone. No police station will ask you to pay a lawyer or send money to close a file.
• Never transfer money to someone you don’t know, however urgent or official they sound.
• Don’t share personal details, like your ID number, address, or bank information, with unknown callers.
• Hang up and verify. If you’re worried, contact the police station directly using its official number, or call the ISF on 112.
• Report it. Note the number that called you and report it to the ISF. You can also report it to the Cybercrimes Bureau.
• Warn older family members. Scams built on fear and authority often target older people.

Not the first scam this year

This comes shortly after another ISF warning about fake speeding ticket messages sent to drivers across Lebanon. Those texts came from a Gmail account and claimed the recipient had committed a traffic violation. They included a link to a convincing-looking “payment portal” asking for plate numbers, which was designed to steal personal and card details. Read more: Scam Alert: Fake Speeding Ticket Messages Are Circulating in Lebanon

The rule is the same for both: the ISF won’t ask you to pay through a random link or a phone call from an unknown number. When in doubt, hang up, don’t click, and check directly.