Pretends to be police or government
Fake government or police call
Is a call from someone saying they are police or a government agent and demanding money a scam?
Yes. Real police and government agencies do not demand gift cards, crypto, gold, wire transfers or secrecy, and fake badges do not prove anything. Hang up and call the agency using a number you look up yourself.
Real organizations never do this. Stop. Hang up or delete it.
Also searched as: police officer, sheriff's deputy, FBI agent, DEA agent, Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals, arrest warrant, missed court date, police department calling, federal agent, DHS, ICE agent, HSI special agent, immigration officer call, deportation threat, sheriff's office, sheriff office, DEA, police department
Draft: we're still checking this page. The quotes below are word for word from their sources.
What to do
On the phone right now?
- Stop. Hang up or close the message. Don't tap anything.
- Check. Call a number you already have, like the one on your card or bill.
- Talk to someone you trust before you pay anyone.
If anyone is in danger right now, call 911.
If you already paid
- Call the company you paid through right away: your bank, card company, gift card company, or the wire or Zelle service. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Call the Justice Department's National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If it happened online, report it at IC3.gov too.
General information, not legal or financial advice. If you've lost money, contact your bank and report it.
How it works
1 They reach you by
- Phone call
- Text message
- Video call
- Social media
- Letter or postcard
2 They pretend to be
- Police or government
- Embassy or consulate
- Medicare or health
3 They ask for
- Money
- Crypto
- Gift cards
- Cash or gold by courier
- Wire or Zelle
- Personal details
- Secrecy
- Tap a link
What it can look like
Example pattern, not a real message
Pretends to be police or government. What gives it away:
- Pay with gift cards
- A courier picks up cash
- Pay with crypto
What they may say
“a federal official would arrive to collect the cash”
“fix the issue”
“helping to keep your money safe”
“investigating the recipient for child pornography or human trafficking”
“send money right away”
“Sgt. Roberts from the Aliquippa Police Department”
“they have an active warrant and must send money”
Warning signs
- They tell you to buy gift cards and read them the numbers. No real agency or company asks to be paid that way.
- They send someone to your home to pick up cash or gold. Real agencies and banks do not collect money that way.
- They want payment in cryptocurrency, or tell you to use a Bitcoin machine. That money is very hard to get back.
- They tell you not to tell your family or your bank. That keeps you from getting help.
- They push you to send a wire transfer or Zelle payment. That money is very hard to get back.
- They contacted you, then ask for your Social Security, Medicare or bank numbers.
- They want you to use their link or their phone number. Look up the real website or number yourself.
- They say you must pay right now or something bad will happen. Real organizations give you time to check.
Why we say this
A Veterans Day reminder on how to spot scams on social media
Scammers use veterans' social media profiles to message them about fake veteran grant programs, posing as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and to pitch fake investment schemes through flashy video ads. The goal is to get Social Security numbers, VA.gov login details, or investment money.
What the scammer really wants is for you to share personal information like your Social Security number or VA.gov login credentials. (Hint: The VA will never message you on social media.)
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Never let someone you met on social media direct your investment decisions.
The FTC is not calling to deactivate your phone number
A caller says they are from the FTC. They claim a phone in your name is being used for scams abroad. They threaten to cut off your number, pass you to a fake police officer, and later say you are under arrest unless you send money as a deposit.
Here’s the latest twist on FTC impersonators: someone claiming to be an FTC official (who’s really a scammer) calls to say a phone was registered under your name and number and is being used to commit scams in another country.
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To keep making the story sound real, the FTC impersonator will transfer you to a (fake) police officer to file a report.
They ask for your ID and other personal information for your “report” and tell you to keep everything secret.
Unless you send money for a security deposit.
A **real FTC employee will never ever** reach out to ask you to send money, and will never connect you to someone who says to send money.
A **real FTC employee will never ever** tell you to keep your conversations secret.
Chinese national pleads guilty to $597,000 money laundering conspiracy that took life savings from victims in California and Nevada
A Manhattan man was sentenced in Delaware County, New York, for attempted grand larceny tied to a sting, and prosecutors say he was part of a larger ring that targeted seniors. The ring allegedly had members pose as law enforcement and persuade older people to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and hand it over.
The scammers, operating both inside and outside the United States, including in India, instructed victims to withdraw their savings in cash and surrender the money “for safekeeping.” Victims were told that a federal official would arrive to collect the cash.
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On April 9, 2025, agents set up a sting operation. Liu arrived at the victim’s house and took what he believed was $20,000, but was in fake money.
Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement and Government Officials in Fraud Schemes
Scammers pretend to be police or government officials. They say you broke the law and must pay or share private details. Some target ethnic communities, foreign nationals and students. They threaten to send people back to their home country or cancel a passport. Some now use AI video calls to look real.
Scammers primarily contact victims through unsolicited phone calls; however, other methods, including text messages and emails, are also used.
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The scammers demand payment through a variety of methods, including prepaid cards, couriers, bank wires, cryptocurrency, or cash inserted into cryptocurrency kiosks.
The scammer accuses the victim of committing or being connected to a crime, and threatens the victim with arrest, prosecution, or imprisonment if they do not pay to remove the charges or assist in the investigation against the "real" criminals.
Scammers may also target Americans from different ethnic communities, foreign nationals, or international students in the United States.
Law enforcement and government authorities will never contact members of the public by telephone or text message to demand *any* form of payment or to request personal or sensitive information.
Law enforcement and government officials will never request payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or courier.
It’s a Grand Slam: Attorney General Bonta Urges Californians to Beware of Scams on Seventh Annual Slam the Scam Day
Government imposter scams mostly come by phone. The caller says there is a problem or offers a prize, pressures you to act fast, and tells you to pay in hard-to-trace ways such as gift cards, crypto or gold bars.
In a government imposter scam, someone claims to be an official government employee, and may ask for personal information, demand payment, or make threats.
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Scammers state there’s some sort of problem or offer a prize, such as a benefit increase, or often claim that someone else is using your account, that your information is being used to commit crimes, or that there’s a security problem with your computer.
Most alarming, scammers tell you to pay using currency that is hard to trace, such as cryptocurrency, gift card, prepaid debit card, wire transfer, cash, or even gold bars.
They might even say they are helping to keep your money safe.
**Hang up the phone:** If you suspect a scam call, immediately hang up or do not respond.
**Don’t move money to “protect it”:** Never send money to someone else, no matter who they say they are, in response to unexpected calls or messages.
Threaten you with arrest or legal action in exchange for immediate payment.
Beware of Police Impersonation Phone Scams NR26008rc
Austin Police warned that callers are pretending to be detectives and claiming the person is under investigation for serious crimes, with an APD number shown on caller ID. Police say a displayed number does not prove who is calling, and they will never ask for money, card details, or remote computer access.
Scammers have been contacting residents, claiming to be police officers, and requesting personal or identifying information.
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scammers have manipulated callback numbers to falsely display actual police station phone numbers
the LAPD will never request payment or money during these calls.
Fraud Alert: HHS-OIG Telephone Numbers Used in Scam
Scammers pretend to be HHS-OIG staff and fake the caller ID so the call looks like it comes from a real HHS-OIG phone number. They try to get or confirm your personal details, then use them to steal money from your bank account or commit other fraud. HHS-OIG says never give personal details to unknown callers, even if the number looks real.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) confirmed that official HHS-OIG telephone numbers are being used as part of a spoofing scam targeting individuals throughout the country.
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The perpetrator may use various tactics to obtain or verify the victim's personal information, which can then be used to steal money from an individual's bank account or for other fraudulent activity.
We encourage the public to remain vigilant, protect their personal information, and guard against providing personal information during calls that purport to be from HHS-OIG telephone numbers.
Do not provide any personal information to unknown individuals, including any of the following information:
Do not verify your name or any other personal information. Be extremely cautious.
If you are a victim of the telephone spoofing scam, contact the HHS-OIG Hotline or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
U.S. Marshals, FBI Urge Public: Report Phone Scams
The Marshals Service and FBI describe a fake Customs and Border Protection officer who hands the victim off to a fake U.S. Marshal. The scammers demand cash, gift cards or bitcoin. The page is kept up to date and says how to check a call.
They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by withdrawing cash and transferring it to the government, purchasing a prepaid debit card such as a Green Dot card or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the fine, or by depositing cash into bitcoin ATMs.
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They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses.
They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency or the court.
The victim is then instructed to withdraw “80% of their physical assets” and deposit them into a personal digital wallet (Bitcoin) while saving withdrawal receipts and deposit receipts to be reviewed by the investigating official once a meeting can be established.
Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court's office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.
Scammers are impersonating local law enforcement
Howell Police warn that callers posing as law enforcement are telling people they or a relative have a warrant and must pay bail right away. Victims are told to put cash into a cryptocurrency ATM and send the crypto to a wallet the scammer controls.
The call comes from someone claiming they’re a sheriff or deputy at your local police department.
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Real law enforcement officers won’t call to say you’re going to be arrested
HSI Michigan and Ohio Warn of Scammers Impersonating Special Agents
ICE's investigations arm warns about fake agents who say a package or law case is aimed at you. It says agents never arrest by phone or ask for money. It tells you to check the agency's main line yourself.
HSI will never call and demand account information or payment over the phone to avoid an impending law enforcement action.
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“These calls come in with a false sense of urgency because there is an alleged law enforcement action against you — usually an intercepted package of money, drugs or both,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar.
HSI agents will not attempt to arrest an individual over the phone.
If a caller asks you to pay a fee or share your Social Security number, credit card or bank account numbers over the phone, hang up.
Do not provide any information to the caller. Instead, ask the caller for their name and badge number and let them know you will call their agency’s main line to verify.
If the caller leaves a message, do not contact the email or number being given.
Fraud Alert: Department of Homeland Security Impersonation Schemes
The DHS Inspector General explains how scammers pose as DHS staff. It lists their common stories, such as seized packages, immigration problems and threats of arrest. It also says what DHS will never do and where to report.
Impersonators spoof actual DHS phone numbers and create email addresses that resemble DHS emails to appear legitimate.
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Scammers often target immigrants, elderly adults, and minority groups or persons with foreign ties.
Threatening arrest, visa cancellation, or deportation.
Warning against telling anyone about the call(s).
DHS will never use the main contact numbers listed on dhs.gov to make calls of this nature.
Knowing details about you does not make any call legitimate.
Do not send money to anyone claiming to be DHS.
DHS employees will not ask you to pay a fine over the phone.
SCAM ALERT: Warning of Fake Calls from Scammers Posing as United States Attorney's Office
Ocoee Police report several calls from a caller posing as a police sergeant who demands money to settle supposed confidential legal matters. Police say the department never makes such demands and ask residents to hang up without sending money or personal details.
claiming to be either a police officer or an FBI agent
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will never call members of the public and threaten to arrest them and demand payment of unspecified “legal fees.”
These calls do not originate from the U.S. Attorney’s Office or any other government agency, and are fraudulent.
FBI Warns of the Impersonation of Law Enforcement and Government Officials
Plumstead Township police warn of callers posing as court officials or federal-linked law enforcement who claim a person missed court and faces arrest unless they pay. The caller in the reported case told the victim to withdraw cash and put it into a Bitcoin ATM.
The victim is accused of not reporting for jury duty and is being fined, or the victim missed a court date and there is a warrant for their arrest unless a payment is made.
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Payment is demanded in various forms, with the most prevalent being prepaid cards, wire transfers, and cash, sent by mail or inserted into cryptocurrency ATMs.
NO legitimate law enforcement or government official will request payment via prepaid cards or cryptocurrency ATM.
How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam
Callers, texts and emails pretending to be Waco police or McLennan County sheriff's staff demand immediate payment for unpaid tickets, traffic violations or warrants. Police say agencies never ask for immediate payment over the phone, so anyone told to send money right away should stop and contact police or someone they trust first.
Scammers impersonate your local sheriff's office or a court official.
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They might say there's a warrant out for your arrest and that you'll go to jail if you don't pay immediately.
Government agencies will never call, email, text, or message you on social media to ask for money or personal information.
FBI, U.S. Marshals Warning Public of Jury Duty Phone Scam
The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey warns that scammers are calling residents while pretending to be from the county Sheriff's Office. The alert names recent arrest warrant, jury duty, surrogate's office and probate court scams.
The scammers say they're with the U.S. Marshals Service, county sheriff's department, or another law enforcement agency. They accuse the call recipient of failing to appear for federal or local jury duty and warn that an arrest warrant has been issued.
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The intended victim is advised that he or she must pay a fine, then report to court. To settle the fine, the scammers instruct the person to buy a prepaid debit card and provide them the card information.
Recent reports indicate these scammers have been targeting New Jersey residents; variations of the "jury duty" scam have been documented in numerous other states, as well.
Hardin County officials warn residents about Bitcoin ATM scams
Local police, sheriff's offices, and prosecutors in Hardin County, Texas, are warning about callers who pose as officers or court staff. The callers threaten arrest over warrants, missed jury duty, or unpaid fines and push victims to pay cash through a Bitcoin ATM.
Hardin County law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are warning residents about scams in which callers impersonate officers or government officials and demand payments through Bitcoin ATMs to avoid arrest or other legal trouble.
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Officials emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies and courts will not demand cryptocurrency payments through Bitcoin ATMs to resolve warrants, fines or other legal matters.
Anyone who receives a demand to pay through a Bitcoin ATM should stop communicating with the caller and avoid withdrawing or transferring money. Residents should not use phone numbers provided by the caller to verify the claim.
Victims are often instructed to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and take it to a Bitcoin ATM or cryptocurrency kiosk.
The agencies said scammers often create a sense of urgency and tell victims not to discuss the transaction with family, friends or law enforcement.
Sheriff's office is warning seniors to be aware about ongoing fake law enforcement scams
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Texas is mailing scam-awareness cards to residents, especially older adults, about callers who pretend to be police or sheriff's officers. The office says these callers demand money, gift cards, or personal details, and it says it will never ask for payment over the phone.
Check your mailbox because the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is sending out scam-awareness cards to help residents, particularly older adults, recognize callers who falsely claim to be law enforcement.
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MCSO warns that it will never demand payment over the phone for missed jury duty, bail, tickets or fees. Scammers may use an actual officer’s name or spoof caller ID to make the call appear legitimate.
The sheriff’s office says the effort aims to reach seniors who may not regularly see warnings on social media.
Hang up immediately
Don’t send money or gift cards to the caller
Upstate deputies warn of scam calls posing as law enforcement
The Greenville County Sheriff's Office warned residents about ongoing calls from people pretending to be deputies who claim the person has a warrant, owes fines, or must pay right away. The sheriff's office says it never demands money by phone or payment by gift card, cash app, or wire transfer.
Officials said scammers may claim victims have outstanding warrants, owe money for fines, or must make immediate payments to avoid penalties related to jury duty or other alleged violations.
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The sheriff's office said it will never call and demand money over the phone or request payment through gift cards, cash apps or wire transfers.
"These calls are NOT from us," the sheriff's office said. "These are scams."
Anyone who receives a suspicious call, text or message from someone claiming to represent law enforcement should contact the sheriff's office at (864) 467-5300 or (864) 271-5210.
A phone call threatening arrest? Monmouth officials warn of new scam
Callers phoned Monmouth County, New Jersey residents claiming to be from the County Prosecutor's Office and said a warrant had been issued for their arrest. The prosecutor's office says it never gives such news by phone and advises hanging up and calling local police.
"An individual purporting to be a member of our staff placed phone calls to local residents falsely reporting that a warrant had been issued for their arrest due to failure to appear for a court hearing," officials said.
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MCPO says that such information is never communicated by phone from its office.
"This is very obviously an attempted scam or method by which to spread misinformation," the statement said.
Officials say if you receive such a call, you should hang up and immediately contact your local police department.
Fake federal agents push seniors to turn savings into gold bars for couriers to collect
Scammers pretending to be federal agents, often from the Federal Trade Commission, tell older adults their savings are at risk and urge them to turn the money into gold. A courier then comes to the home or a restaurant to collect the gold.
Scammers posing as FTC agents are using courier scams to collect gold bars from elderly victims, draining life savings in a growing elder fraud scheme.
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Scammers posing as FTC agents convinced retirees to buy gold bars and hand them to couriers using secret passwords like "tulip" at restaurants.
Cookeville police warn of callers demanding money to clear warrants
Cookeville police warned residents about callers who pretend to be department officers and say there is an active warrant that can be cleared by paying money. Police said the department will not call to demand payment for a warrant, and residents should hang up and call the department directly to check.
The Cookeville Police Department said it has received several reports of calls from people claiming to be Lt. Frye or Capt. Stout. The callers tell residents they have an active warrant and must send money, police said.
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The department said it will not call and demand payment to take care of a warrant.
People who receive such calls should not share personal or financial information, send money or buy gift cards, according to police.
Residents who are unsure whether a caller works for the department should hang up and call Cookeville police directly at 931-526-2125 to verify the information.
Police are asking residents to share the warning with family members and others who may be vulnerable to these calls.
Gainesville police warn of scammers pretending to be police chief
Gainesville, Texas police are warning residents about phone calls from people pretending to be the police chief, Kevin Phillips. Police say residents should hang up on anyone claiming to be the chief or another officer and call the department directly.
The Gainesville Police Department is warning residents about calls impersonating the department’s police chief.
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Police urge residents to hang up on anyone claiming they are the police chief or any other officer, and residents should call the department directly at (940) 668-7777.
COOKEVILLE POLICE WARN RESIDENTS OF ACTIVE WARRANT PHONE SCAM
Cookeville police are warning residents about callers who pretend to be department officers, claim there is an active warrant, and demand immediate payment. Police say the calls are fraudulent and that the department will never call to demand payment for a warrant.
Scammers calling from numbers claiming to be Lt. Frye or Capt. Stout are telling victims they have active warrants and demanding immediate financial payment to resolve them.
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Police confirm this is entirely fraudulent.
Do not share personal details, send money, purchase gift cards, or provide any form of payment to callers.
Anyone unsure about a caller’s identity should hang up immediately and contact CPD directly at 931-526-2125.
Authorities urge residents to share this warning, particularly with family members and elderly individuals who may be vulnerable to targeted financial scams.
Beaver County residents warned to beware police officer scams
State police in Pennsylvania warned Beaver County residents about a caller posing as an Aliquippa police sergeant who threatened an arrest warrant unless the target paid to have it erased. The resident did not send money, and police urged caution with any official who asks for money or personal information by phone.
Troopers said they were contacted by a resident of Boundary Lane, who said someone identifying themselves as "Sgt. Roberts from the Aliquippa Police Department" called claiming he had an arrest warrant ready to serve on the person if they did not pay to have the warrant erased. The caller gave a fake badge number.
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Police said the resident didn't send any money to the caller, but residents are warned to be cautious about supposed law enforcement officials asking for money or personal information over the telephone.
State police are reporting a scam involving police impersonation from Bridgewater.
NYC man sentenced in scheme targeting seniors
A Manhattan man, Xueyu Luo, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison after an arrest in a sting operation tied to an organized scheme against seniors. The group reportedly had victims withdraw large sums from their bank accounts and hand over cash while claiming to work with law enforcement.
Luo was suspected of being involved in an organized criminal operation targeting senior citizens, in which the victims were asked to withdraw large sums of money from their bank accounts and pay it over to them in cash.
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As part of the scam, Luo and others alleged that they were working with law enforcement and solicited the assistance of seniors.
Those who have been a victim or witness to such a pattern of crime are asked to contact the New York State Police at 845-586-2681 or the Sidney Police Department at 607-561-2301.
Manhattan man sentenced prison time in senior citizen fraud scheme
A Manhattan man, Xueyu Luo, was sentenced in Delaware County, New York, for his role in a scheme that targeted seniors. Prosecutors say the scammers posed as law enforcement and asked victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and hand it over.
Luo is suspected of being involved in an organized criminal operation that would target senior citizens, where the victims are asked to take money from their bank account and pay it over to the scammers in cash.
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The scam would have Luo and others pretending to work with law enforcement and soliciting the help of seniors.
"It is hard to prosecute these kinds of cases because the defendants operated outside of the USA," he said.
Manhattan man sentenced prison time in senior citizen fraud scheme
A Manhattan man was sentenced in Delaware County, New York, for attempted grand larceny tied to a sting, and prosecutors say he was part of a larger ring that targeted seniors. The ring allegedly had members pose as law enforcement and persuade older people to withdraw cash from their bank accounts and hand it over.
Luo is suspected of being involved in an organized criminal operation that would target senior citizens, where the victims are asked to take money from their bank account and pay it over to the scammers in cash.
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The scam would have Luo and others pretending to work with law enforcement and soliciting the help of seniors.
“This was a complex case that involved a large number of sophisticated criminals defrauding senior citizens across the entire state of New York,” said Delaware County District Attorney Shawn Smith.
The charges stemmed from a sting operation where Luo attempted to steal property expected to be worth over $3,000, the DA’s office said.
Burbank police warn of caller ID spoofing scam
Callers fake the Burbank Police Department's official phone numbers and claim the person has a warrant or criminal charge. They then push for quick payment by gift card or money order to avoid arrest, which police say they never do.
Police say the alleged scammers may demand immediate payment by gift card or money order to avoid arrest on an outstanding warrant or criminal charge — something the department says it does not do.
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Those who get a suspicious call are urged to hang up and not give out any personal or financial information. They can also contact the BPD's non-emergency line at 818-238-3000 or the general information line at 818-238-3333 to verify the call's legitimacy.
FBI warns Hawaii residents of fake law enforcement scam calls
The FBI Honolulu Field Office warns that scammers are spoofing federal field office phone numbers and posing as real or made-up agents to get money or personal details. Some scammers also join video calls against fake federal office backgrounds to look legitimate.
Fraudsters are using an alarming new tactic in an ongoing scam by spoofing phone numbers for federal law enforcement field offices—such as the FBI Honolulu Field Office—and misrepresenting themselves as real or fictitious agents.
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Officials reported that in some cases, callers are unable to reach anyone and assume the communication must be authentic because the number appeared to come from a government line.
Law enforcement and government authorities will never contact members of the public by telephone or text message to demand any form of payment or to request personal information, nor will they request payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or courier.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement, verify their identity before providing any information.
Report it! If you or someone you know has fallen victim to these impersonation scams, immediately cease all contact with the scammer(s) and notify your financial institutions to safeguard your financial accounts.
PA AG Launches Campaign Against Cryptocurrency Scams
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is launching a statewide campaign warning about crypto scams that use Bitcoin ATMs. The article says scammers pose as police, threaten arrest, or use fake investments and romances to get victims to pay.
Sunday says scammers impersonate police officers, threaten arrest, or lure victims with phony investments and online romances.
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Authorities emphasize that legitimate police and courts never require cryptocurrency payments to avoid arrest or settle warrants.
Residents can report suspected scams by calling 1-800-441-2555.
San Angelo Police Warn of Scam Calls
San Angelo police warn that callers are pretending to be local officers and demanding payment to avoid arrest. The department says officers will never ask for money over the phone to clear a warrant, and that caller ID can be faked.
The San Angelo Police Department is warning residents about a scam in which callers impersonate officers and demand money to avoid arrest.
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Police said they recently received a report of a citizen receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be Lt. Ben Spencer with the department.
The department stated that officers will never call and demand money to avoid arrest or ask people to pay money over the phone to resolve a warrant or avoid arrest. Scammers can also spoof caller ID so that a call appears to come from an official city or police department number.
“If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money or provide personal or financial information,” information from the police department stated.
Boston police warn residents amid spike in law enforcement impersonation scams
Boston police warn of a rise in callers posing as police or court officials who threaten arrest or jail to get money. The warning says scammers use fake case or badge numbers, sometimes borrow real officers' names, and have asked for bitcoin payment and a Zoom 'court hearing'.
Police said the callers often claim there is a warrant for your arrest, threaten jail time, or say that immediate payment is required to resolve an issue such as missed jury duty.
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Scammers may provide fake case numbers, badge numbers, or other credentials to appear legitimate, according to officers.
Officers said in a recent incident, scammers requested payment via bitcoin and asked the victim to enter a Zoom meeting disguised as a court hearing.
Police reminded residents that law enforcement and government agencies will never demand payment over the phone, through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gold.
If you receive a call claiming to be from law enforcement or a government agency, hang up and contact the agency directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.
Police warn Reno residents about circulating phone scam
Reno police report that at least three residents lost about $200,000 in phone scams over two weeks, mostly targeting older people. Callers pose as law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission and use real officers' names to sound credible.
Over the last two weeks, at least three Reno residents have fallen victim to phone scams. Altogether, they’ve lost about $200,000.
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RPD says the main group being targeted is elderly people. Scammers are allegedly impersonating the federal trade commission, saying they're investigating fraud reports.
Police say that law enforcement agencies will never request money over the phone, or call ahead if they do have a warrant and need to arrest someone. They advise that if you don't recognize that phone number, don't answer it.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says that some scammers will alter the caller ID and make it look real, so always place a call to a verified phone number of the agency they're impersonating to see if the call is valid.
Scam sees 'bogus' callers pose as police officers
Suffolk Police in England received reports of callers falsely claiming to be its officers, sometimes phoning from a cloned number that routes call-backs to the police switchboard. Police say real officers will never ask for bank details, PINs, cash, transfers, fines, computer access or passwords, and advise hanging up and calling 101 from a different phone to check.
Suffolk Police and Suffolk Trading Standards said anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be an officer should call 101 to check their identity.
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According to the force, the fraudsters appeared to have phoned from a cloned number, meaning calls made back to it would be routed to the Suffolk Police switchboard.
"If you wish to check their identity and a crime number you have been given, we advise you hang up and call 101, ideally from a different phone," the force said.
"We are aware of other forces reporting similar incidents in recent days."
According to Suffolk Police, police officers will never:
Watch Out For Phone Scam, Holmdel Police Warn
Callers pose as Holmdel police, spoof the department's phone number, and say the person has an arrest warrant. They demand payment in cryptocurrency and pressure the victim to pay right away.
The actors make phone calls, claim to be the police, and try to convince residents there are warrants for the residents’ arrest.
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The call seems legitimate as the caller ID shows the number of the local police department, and the callers also play background audio of what sounds like police radio traffic, police said.
"Police departments DO NOT make phone calls to inform residents of active warrants and solicit payments through cryptocurrency," Holmdel Police warned. "These actors are very aggressive and insist on receiving payment for the warrant. Their goal is to overwhelm the victim and make them believe that they will go to prison if they do not comply."
Do not send money or purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency to satisfy the caller's demands.
To report this scam, or if you are a victim of the scam, you can call the Holmdel Police Department at 732-946-4400.
Boston police warn residents amid spike in law enforcement impersonation scams
Boston police are warning about a rise in calls where scammers pose as police or court officials to steal money. The callers often threaten arrest or jail and push for immediate payment, sometimes through bitcoin or a fake Zoom court hearing.
Officers said in a recent incident, scammers requested payment via bitcoin and asked the victim to enter a Zoom meeting disguised as a court hearing.
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Scammers may provide fake case numbers, badge numbers, or other credentials to appear legitimate, according to officers.
They may also use the names of real law enforcement officers so that the call appears to come from a legitimate agency.
Pennsylvanians warned of continued crypto scams amid new awareness campaign: AG
Pennsylvania's Attorney General is warning residents about scams that push victims to pay in cryptocurrency, and he has launched a STOP sign campaign on crypto ATMs. The article says a recent rise in county sheriff impostor calls demands Bitcoin payments under threat.
An uptick has also been seen this year in government imposter scams where callers pretend to be part of the county sheriff's office and use threats or demands for Bitcoin.
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Police, courts, banks, and legitimate technical support representatives will not instruct you to deposit cash into a crypto kiosk to resolve an emergency or protect your money.
Verify unexpected calls and messages independently. Caller ID can be manipulated to display a legitimate phone number. Hang up and contact the agency or business using a number from its official website.
Criminals rely on fear and pressure to get victims to act before asking questions.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim should stop sending money immediately and report the incident.
Norwalk Police Warn About Scam Involving Fake Planning And Zoning Officials
Norwalk police warn that scammers are pretending to be local Planning and Zoning officials and asking residents for payments. Police say the department will not contact residents with unsolicited requests for money, so residents should verify any fee request directly with the department using an official phone number.
Norwalk police are warning residents about a scam involving individuals impersonating Planning and Zoning officials and requesting money.
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According to authorities, residents have reported falling victim to the scheme, in which scammers pose as local officials and seek payments.
Police emphasized that the Planning and Zoning Department will not contact residents with unsolicited requests to send money.
Scammers may use official-sounding language or documents that appear legitimate to convince residents to make payments, police said.
Verify questions about fees or payments directly with the local Planning and Zoning Department using an official phone number.
Glasgow police warn residents of property tax scam
Glasgow, Kentucky police say callers are posing as City of Glasgow employees who want to discuss property taxes. The callers are trying to collect personal and bank details, and the city says it does not phone residents about tax bills.
According to GPD, scammers are telling callers they are City of Glasgow employees calling about property taxes.
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The scammers attempt to gain access to personal and bank information.
GPD says the city does not call residents regarding property tax bills.
All information regarding taxes will be delivered by mail, according to GPD.
Contact the Glasgow Police Department by calling 270-651-6165.
Pasadena Officials Issue Warning on Medical Scammers - MyNewsLA.com
Pasadena public health officials warned residents about callers posing as public health staff to collect personal and financial information. The callers may claim a prescription was filled in your name, then escalate to a video call with a fake police officer.
Some scammers have claimed a prescription was filled in the victim’s name while seeking so-called verifying information.
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“In some cases, scammers have escalated the ruse by transferring victims to a video call with an individual impersonating a police officer or other authority figure in a fake uniform and fabricated recording room,” according to the PPHD release, which said the schemes sometimes involve coordinated callers who reinforce the ruse.
Urgency and threats are tools commonly used in such scams, which include warnings of legal consequences or canceled prescriptions.
The scams are typical across the United States and while the CDPH and PPHD “may reach out to individuals for legitimate public health purposes, such as disease contact tracing, these calls will never involve requests for Social Security numbers, credit card information or data not related to your health,” officials said.
Anyone who receives such a suspicious call should hang up immediately and contact the CDPH at 916-558-1784, and anyone in Pasadena who believes they have been the victim of fraud should contact the Pasadena Police Department at 626-744-4241.
Police warn Central Texans of phone scam claiming unpaid tickets, warrants
Callers, texts and emails pretending to be Waco police or McLennan County sheriff's staff demand immediate payment for unpaid tickets, traffic violations or warrants. Police say agencies never ask for immediate payment over the phone, so anyone told to send money right away should stop and contact police or someone they trust first.
According to Waco police, scammers are calling, texting and emailing victims claiming to be WPD or MCSO and asking for immediate payment for outstanding traffic violations, warrants or tickets.
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Police say these are scams, adding agencies will never ask for immediate payment over the phone.
Police say the scams can also come through computer pop-ups and accounts like Google, Amazon and credit cards.
If you’re told to “send money right away” to “fix the issue,” it’s a scam, according to police.
Police urge anyone who thinks they’re being scammed to talk to someone they trust or contact police before sending money, and to report it to their local department immediately if victimized.
Allegheny County, Pa., Sheriff Warns of Latest Phone Scams
Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus is warning residents about callers who pose as police or sheriff's officials and say they will be arrested unless they pay right away. Two local women lost thousands of dollars by depositing cash at an ATM or Bitcoin machine while staying on the phone with the scammers.
The caller may identify him or herself as a police officer or a government employee, while technology allows scammers to spoof phone numbers so an incoming call appears to originate from a legitimate government office.
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Victims are told they must pay a fine or other amount immediately to avoid being arrested or jailed. The scammers then direct them to a specific location to deposit cash, giving them an account number to use, or to transfer money through a cryptocurrency kiosk.
The sheriff’s office, courts and other law enforcement agencies will never require payment over the phone through cryptocurrency, remote ATM access, gift cards or QR codes.
If someone claims to be from the sheriff’s office and demands payment, residents should hang up and call the office directly to verify the information. They can also contact their local police department.
Scammers may keep victims on the phone for hours, discouraging them from talking to family members or seeking outside advice while they follow instructions.
Police Urge Residents To Hang Up On 'Court' Scams
Plumstead Township police warn of callers posing as court officials or federal-linked law enforcement who claim a person missed court and faces arrest unless they pay. The caller in the reported case told the victim to withdraw cash and put it into a Bitcoin ATM.
In a recent incident, a resident received a phone call from someone claiming to be affiliated with a federal agency. The caller falsely claimed the victim had failed to appear in court, that an arrest warrant had been issued, and that she faced a large fine or jail time. The caller then instructed the victim to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM to avoid arrest.
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Courts, police departments, and government agencies will never demand immediate payment by Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfer to avoid arrest.
Legitimate courts will not call and threaten immediate arrest for missing jury duty or a court appearance while demanding payment over the phone.
Never send money or cryptocurrency to someone based solely on instructions received by phone, text message, or email.
Contact the court or agency using a publicly listed phone number to verify the information.
Waco PD, McLennan County Sheriff's Office warning about phone scam asking you to pay up
The Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff's Office warn that callers pretending to be law enforcement are demanding money. The callers say unpaid traffic tickets, warrants, or other fines must be paid right away.
Waco police say both departments are receiving reports that residents are receiving calls from scammers claiming to be with law enforcement and asking for money.
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The scammers have reportedly been claiming that outstanding traffic violations, warrants, or other tickets need to be paid.
“Police agencies or other official government entities will never ask for immediate payment over the phone,” police said in a reminder to the community.
Officials are asking anyone who may be a victim to alert local police.
Eaton County Sheriff warns of new scam using AI-generated photos of deputies, Bitcoin demands
Callers spoof local Eaton County phone numbers and pose as sheriff's deputies, sometimes backing up the story with AI-made pictures of fake deputies beside Bitcoin ATMs. They threaten arrest or demand bond, jury duty or fine payments in cash or crypto.
Deputies advise anyone who receives an unsolicited call demanding money to refrain from following any instructions, withhold personal and banking details, and hang up immediately.
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Sheriff Reich stressed that law enforcement personnel will never contact citizens by phone to demand payments, fines, bond, or cryptocurrency transactions.
Investigators pointed out one key visual giveaway in the synthetic images: the AI-generated deputy is depicted wearing the wrong-colored uniform, inconsistent with official Eaton County Sheriff’s Office gear.
In some cases, scammers are pairing the calls with AI-generated images of fake sheriff’s deputies standing next to cryptocurrency machines, visually instructing victims to deposit funds into Bitcoin ATMs.
Reich adds the callers typically manufacture high-pressure scenarios, falsely claiming the victim must pay immediate cash or face arrest.
Austin Police warn of fake detective calls
Austin Police warned that callers are pretending to be detectives and claiming the person is under investigation for serious crimes, with an APD number shown on caller ID. Police say a displayed number does not prove who is calling, and they will never ask for money, card details, or remote computer access.
APD said the caller claims to be "investigating the recipient for child pornography or human trafficking," with the APD phone number of 512-974-2000 displayed.
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The department recommended asking for the detective's name, badge number and case number, then calling Austin 311 to verify the caller's identity.
A phone number displayed on caller ID is not proof of identity.
APD will not ask community members to send money, provide credit card information, or grant remote access to a computer or phone as part of an investigation.
Wildwood Crest Police Warn of Scam Impersonating Chief
Wildwood Crest police warned residents about a phone call that appeared to come from the department's number while the caller claimed to be Police Chief Robert Lloyd. The department says scammers can spoof caller ID and that law enforcement will never ask for money, gift cards, or immediate payment.
Early Thursday, a resident reported receiving a call that appeared to come from the department's phone number, and the caller identified himself as Chief Lloyd.
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Wildwood Crest Police say scammers can use caller ID spoofing to make calls appear as though they're coming from a legitimate number, including a police department's line.
In other words, a call that looks real on your screen may not be.
The department is reminding residents that law enforcement will never call to request money, gift cards, or immediate payment.
If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Wildwood Crest Police, hang up immediately and call the department directly at (609) 522-2456.
Flushing Township police warn of overdue tax phone scam
Police in Flushing Township, Michigan, warn of callers who pretend to be collecting unpaid township taxes. The article says the township will never make such calls and gives numbers to verify a claim.
According to police, scammers are contacting residents and attempting to collect payments for taxes they claim are overdue.
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Flushing Township Offices will never call residents to collect tax payments over the phone. Flushing Township government telephone numbers use the 810 area code, not an 888 or similar toll-free number.
Officers are reminding residents to never provide personal information, banking information or payment details over the phone regarding alleged overdue taxes.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call regarding township taxes should hang up and contact Flushing Township Offices at 810-659-0800 to verify any claims.
Tax Scam Warning Issued In Brick
Brick Township police and officials warn that callers are pretending to be the township tax collector and demanding immediate payment of supposedly overdue property taxes by phone. The township says it never makes such calls and does not accept tax payments by phone.
Residents have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to represent the township's tax collector, saying the person's property taxes are overdue and demanding immediate payment over the phone, town officials said.
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Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to come from a legitimate government office or phone number.
Be especially cautious if someone demands payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or other unusual methods.
If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you have already provided personal or financial information or made a payment, contact your bank or credit card company promptly and report the incident to the police.
Fairfield Police Issue Warning Over Scammers Impersonating Police Officers
Fairfield, Connecticut police are warning residents about callers who claim to be Fairfield officers and say the person has an active arrest warrant for missing court. The callers typically demand payment to avoid arrest or to have the warrant dismissed.
We have received reports of residents receiving calls from individuals claiming to be Fairfield Police officers and telling them they failed to appear in court and now have an active warrant for their arrest,
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Scammers often create a sense of fear and urgency to pressure victims into acting before they have time to question the situation.
In the event you receive such a call, officials said to hang up and "contact the Fairfield Police Department directly at (203) 254-4800 to verify its legitimacy."
Fairfield Police will never demand payment over the phone to avoid an arrest or cancel a warrant.
Caller ID can be manipulated to make calls appear to originate from the Fairfield Police Department.
Fairfield police warn of scam where people pretend to be officers and demand money
Fairfield police say residents are getting calls from people posing as officers who claim the listener missed a court date and has an arrest warrant. The callers typically push for money to make the warrant go away, and police say no one has lost money so far.
Police have received reports from residents getting calls from scammers who claim to be officers and inform them that they have failed to appear in court and now have an active warrant for their arrest.
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They say although no one has been impacted beyond the initial calls, they say scams such as these often involve scammers demanding money to avoid being arrested or having their warrant dismissed.
The department will never demand money over the phone to avoid an arrest or a warrant.
Scammers may use the names of actual police officers to appear legitimate
Scammers often create a sense of fear and urgency to pressure victims to act before they have time to question the situation.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact police at 203-254-4800.
Waco police warn residents about scammers impersonating the Waco Police Department
Callers pose as Waco police staff, offering department merchandise and seeking donations, and at least one victim gave card details. Police advise hanging up, verifying through an independent number, and never sharing card information with a caller.
Waco police are warning residents about scammers impersonating police department representatives who are calling community members to sell fake merchandise and ask for donations.
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At least one person gave their credit card information to the scammers, though they called police immediately afterward and were advised to cancel their card.
"They will confuse you, they will make it sound legitimate," Criminologist Dr. Alex del Carmen said.
Hang up and verify the number through Google or by calling the company directly
Never give credit card information to anyone who calls you
Police stress the importance of taking time to think about suspicious situations and double-checking any links or information before sharing personal details.
BBB Scam Alert: Spot this scary new twist in law enforcement impostor scams
Scammers pretend to be police or federal agents. They say you owe a fine or face arrest. If you doubt them, they send fake badges or credentials to seem real. They want money, often by wire or gift cards.
You receive a telephone call, email, text message, or a message on social media by someone alleging to be from a law enforcement agency.
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In one recent version of this scam, the impostor claims to have seized a package with your name on it. Now, they need a copy of your driver’s license and money to fix the issue.
Scammers often threaten fines, arrest, or other penalties in an attempt to scare you into immediate action.
If you are hesitant, the scammers will offer to text or email doctored credentials to you, to confirm their identity
Even if the threats scare you, do not take immediate action.
Scammers will probably ask you to wire funds or buy prepaid gift cards to pay the required “fines.”