A “Warrant Scam” is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement or government officials to intimidate victims into paying money to resolve a fake arrest warrant. They use scare tactics, such as threats of immediate arrest or legal action, and often manipulate caller ID (known as “spoofing”) to make the calls appear legitimate.
Key Warning Signs of a Police Warrant Scam
Demands for Immediate Payment: Legitimate law enforcement agencies will never call you and demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid arrest.
Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers typically demand payment through methods that are difficult to trace and almost impossible to recover, such as wire transfers, gift cards, payment apps (Zelle, Venmo), or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin).
Threats and Pressure: The caller will try to create a sense of urgency and fear, often using aggressive language and telling you not to speak with anyone else about the matter (a “gag order”).
Falsified Information: Scammers may use the names of real judges or officers, provide fake badge numbers, and even send forged “official” documents to gain your trust.
Unsolicited Contact: Law enforcement typically serves warrants in person, not through unexpected phone calls, texts, or emails.
How to Protect Yourself
If you receive a suspicious call claiming you have a warrant:
Hang Up Immediately: Do not provide any personal information, credit card numbers, or financial details.
Do Not Trust Caller ID: Caller ID can be faked.
Verify the Information Independently: If you are concerned, look up the official, non-emergency phone number for the local law enforcement agency or court online (using a trusted source like an official government website, not a number provided by the caller) and call them directly to verify if there is an actual issue.
Discuss with Someone You Trust: Talk to a family member or friend. Scammers rely on isolation, and a trusted person can often help you identify the scam.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. at 409-883-2612
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