Victim warns of scammers claiming to be from the government

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thieves trying to steal your personal information are targeting phones.

A Charlotte man told us his elderly mother-in-law got a call from a number with a New York area code from a man claiming to work for the U.S. government.

Charles Keller said a voice mail left for his mother-in-law sounded suspicious.

The man claimed that the government is pursuing legal action against her.

Keller said his wife, who is an attorney, called the number back, and when the man started pumping her for personal information, she stopped him.

With a simple search online, they found tons of complaints from others who say they've received harassing calls from that same phone number with different scenarios.

Keller said he plans to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

If you receive a similar call and want to file a complaint click here.

WSOC