What are warrant scams?

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.

How do warrant scams work?

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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Identifying an arrest warrant scam

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.”

Protecting yourself from a warrant scam call

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.

Key signs of warrant scams

Here are some signs of a warrant scam that you should look out for:

Unsolicited phone calls claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies.
Threats of arrest or legal action if immediate payment or personal information is not provided.
Requests for payment via wire transfer, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency.
Pressure to act quickly and without seeking advice or verification from trusted sources.

How to prevent a warrant scam

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.

How to report a warrant scam

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.