Arrest warrant scams, also known as warrant scams or arrest warrant scam calls, involve a scammer posing as a law enforcement officer or government agent. These scammers use various tactics to deceive and intimidate victims into believing that they have a warrant out for their arrest. Learn how to protect yourself against a warrant scam with these safety tips.
Warrant scammers start by contacting someone to tell them that they have a warrant for their arrest. Once the scammer has convinced the victim that they have a warrant, the scammer will try to pressure them into taking immediate action. They may threaten to arrest, sue, or deport the victim if they don’t comply with their demands. Arrest warrant scammers frequently ask for sensitive personal information, including the victim’s Social Security number or financial details under the guise of wanting to resolve the current warrant.
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Arrest warrant scammers will usually call unsuspecting targets and vulnerable populations. They may also provide fake badge numbers and other credentials to lend credibility to their claims or manipulate the victim’s caller ID to make the call seem more legitimate.
“Warrant scammers start by contacting someone to tell them that they have a warrant for their arrest.”
It’s important to remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies won’t contact you via phone to resolve a warrant. In general, warrants are served in person by a uniformed officer holding official documentation. If you receive a suspicious call about an arrest warrant, do not provide any personal or financial information. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Here are some signs of a warrant scam that you should look out for:
When it comes to warrant scams, it’s important to take precautions to protect your personal information. Be careful when sharing sensitive details over the phone or online, especially in response to unsolicited requests. If the caller is claiming to be from a government agency or law enforcement office, ask them for their contact information and verify their identity through an independent source.
If you’ve received a suspicious phone call that you believe to be a warrant scam, report the incident to the authorities immediately. Contact your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to file a complaint and provide them with any details you remember about the call. By reporting warrant scams, you’re helping other individuals avoid getting scammed.
Scams like the arrest warrant scam are a threat to our financial safety and personal security. Use these tips to stay safe and informed and report suspicious activity to the correct authorities when needed.
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