How to Spot a Fake FBI Agent

Co-authored by Carl Clatterbuck

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 Approved

Someone is claiming to be an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Naturally, you want to make sure it is a legitimate visit not only for your personal safety but so you aren't giving information to someone looking to do harm or fall prey to a scam. Start at step one to learn how to best identify an imposter or real FBI agent.

How to Tell if an FBI Agent is Fake or Real

According to private investigator Carl Clatterbuck, a real FBI agent will provide you with their name, badge, and badge number. You can contact the closest bureau to confirm their legitimacy. If you suspect an FBI agent is fake, don’t let them inside and call your local police if you feel unsafe.

Steps

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If you are at home leave the door firmly shut and locked whenever possible. Unless it is a matter of life and death or they have a warrant the agent should have no problem waiting while you verify some things.
Take a look at how they're dressed and how they carry themselves. If there's not a window nearby you can open the door a crack or leave the chain on if you feel safe to do so. Note that while most agents will dress nicely they will not always be in suits and ties. They might dress business casual or casual. However, if they're overly casual or wearing dirty/rumpled clothing you may want to take notice.

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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} Real agents will have already shown their badge but ask to see it again if they've put it away. Real agents will usually not hand their badge over, so you'll have to inspect at a distance.
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Inspect the badge and ID card.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} There are a couple things you should look for.
- Look at the photo and make sure it matches the agent standing in front of you.
- Be sure the badge says Federal Bureau of Investigation at the top. Fake badges will often abbreviate to FBI.
- Make sure the badge is completely gold and has Department of Justice on the bottom. The agent will usually have two. One in the wallet and another independent one sometimes worn on the waist.
He/she should give you this number and let you match it with the number on the photo ID.
Most real agents will not bully or push you unless it's a matter of life and death. Keep them outside and take your time. Try not to purposefully delay them but take as much time as you need to feel safe.
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Call your local police station. If at any point you feel unsafe or unsure call your local police station and ask for them to send an officer out or to verify that the person you're talking to is really FBI.
- If you feel that you are in danger, call 911.
Contact your local FBI field office. This is another option. They will be able to verify whether you're talking to a real agent and they're there on official business.

Community Q&A

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Question

What if the person is contacting you through text and sends a picture of their badge?

Kaeden Martin-Graves

Community Answer

Don't fall for it. Call the field office to verify that that is really them. Check for the full wording of "Federal Bureau of Investigation". If it does not say that and it says FBI, don't text back. Call the police or the FBI. Impersonating and FBI agent is federal crime.

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Tips

You can also ask the agent common questions he/she should know the answer to.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} Such as, what is the address or number to the local FBI field office? Who is the current FBI director or agent in charge of the field office? Most agents will know these without hesitation and you can verify with a simple Google check, but so can an imposter so this isn't foolproof but another way to check.

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Most real agents will travel in pairs, although not always.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview}

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Unless otherwise instructed FBI agents are required to be armed at all times.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Kenneth Childs
Private Investigator

Expert Interview} If you don't notice a gun (most times it'll be concealed) you can ask to see it. They won't pull it out but if they don't have one this is a red flag.

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Warnings

Never give money or personal information (social security number, credit card/bank information) to anyone claiming to be a federal agent, especially over the phone. It is a scam!

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