Residents across the USA are increasingly being targeted by scammers impersonating law enforcement officers, according to a warning from the FBI’s Serious Fraud Investigation Office. In a recent press release, the agency detailed how these callers deceive people by falsely claiming there is a warrant for their arrest due to a failure to appear for grand jury duty. The scammers then demand immediate payment, often requesting it through wire transfers or gift cards, to avoid arrest.
The FBI emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never ask for payments over the phone or through such untraceable methods. If residents receive a call about a criminal or civil accusation that seems unfamiliar, it is likely to be a scam. The press release advises residents to be cautious and not to confirm any identifying information over the phone if they suspect the call to be fraudulent.
Officials are strongly urging anyone who receives such a call to promptly verify its legitimacy by contacting law enforcement directly. Furthermore, residents who believe they may have fallen victim to this scam are encouraged to report it to their local law enforcement agency immediately. This proactive approach is crucial in helping to stop these fraudulent activities and protect others in the community.
