This Phone Scam is a widespread and dangerous type of imposter scam where criminals exploit the authority of law enforcement to steal money. State Troopers and other law enforcement agencies across the country frequently issue warnings about this exact scenario.
Here is how the scam works, the key red flags, and what you should do:
How the Phone Scam Works
Impersonation:
- The caller claims to be a State Trooper, Sheriff, Deputy, or other court/law enforcement official. They may use the name of a real officer they found online.
Caller ID Spoofing:
- They use technology to make their phone number appear on your caller ID as the actual, non-emergency number of the State Troopers, local Sheriff’s office, or courthouse.
The Threat:
- They immediately pressure you with a fabricated, urgent legal problem, such as:
- There is an arrest warrant out for you.
- You have missed a court date or jury duty.
- Law enforcement has intercepted a suspicious package with your name on it (containing drugs, money, etc.).
- They immediately pressure you with a fabricated, urgent legal problem, such as:
The Demand:
- They claim the only way to immediately clear the warrant or avoid arrest is to pay a “fine” or “bail.” They demand payment in ways that are untraceable:
- Gift Cards (e.g., Apple, Google Play, Target)
- Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin)
- Wire Transfers (e.g., Western Union)
- Payment Apps (e.g., Zelle, Cash App, Venmo)
- They claim the only way to immediately clear the warrant or avoid arrest is to pay a “fine” or “bail.” They demand payment in ways that are untraceable:
Also Read : Fraudulent Charity Scams | 7 Major Red Flags
🚨 Red Flags: What Law Enforcement Will NOT Do
Any call that includes the following is a scam:
| Law Enforcement Will NEVER… | They WILL NOT… |
| Threaten Immediate Arrest | Call to inform you of a warrant and give you a chance to avoid it over the phone. Official warnings are sent via certified mail. |
| Demand Immediate Payment | Force you to pay a fine or bail immediately over the phone. |
| Request Untraceable Payments | Ask for payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. |
| Ask for Sensitive Information | Request your Social Security Number, bank account details, or credit card numbers. |
| Use a Payment Location | Direct you to buy gift cards or use a Bitcoin ATM at a specific retail store. |
What You Should Do Immediately
Hang Up:
- Do not engage with the caller, even if the Caller ID looks official or they sound threatening.
Do Not Call Back:
- Do not use the number the scammer provided to call them back.
Verify Independently:
- If you are genuinely worried, look up the official phone number for the State Troopers or your local Sheriff’s office on their official government website (.gov) and call them directly to verify if there is any legitimate issue.
How to Report the Scam
Report the call to help authorities track the criminal activity:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): This is the main place to report imposter scams in the U.S.
- Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Run by the FBI, this is for reporting cyber-enabled crimes.
- Website: ic3.gov
- Your Local Police or State Police: Inform your local law enforcement agency that scammers are using their agency’s name or spoofing their number.
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