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  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 30, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , dna test, , ,   

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam 

    DNA Test Hoaxes Are The New Jury Duty Scam

    By Greg Collier

    The Idaho State Police (ISP) is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting individuals with alarming claims related to DNA testing. Callers impersonate law enforcement officers, falsely asserting that recipients must undergo DNA testing to avoid arrest. These scammers use fear and urgency to coerce victims into making payments, often leaving them distressed and confused.

    This scam follows a familiar pattern seen in other fraudulent schemes, such as the long-standing jury duty and arrest warrant scams. In those versions, scammers tell victims they have missed jury duty or have outstanding warrants, demanding immediate payment to avoid jail time. The DNA test hoax mirrors these tactics by introducing the false narrative of a missed appointment, further heightening the sense of alarm.

    One victim reported receiving a voicemail stating they needed to submit a DNA sample in response to certified mail, with instructions to contact the ISP Bureau of Criminal Investigation for clarification. Soon after, the victim received another call alleging they had missed the required DNA appointment, leading to a supposed arrest warrant. Payment was demanded to ‘resolve’ the fabricated situation. In a separate incident, a scammer impersonated a law enforcement officer, telling a woman that her son had failed to complete a mandatory DNA test. This false claim was used to justify an arrest warrant, and the scammer requested funds under the guise of a bond payment.

    These scams exploit fear and undermine public trust in legitimate programs like the ISP’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which lawfully collects DNA from convicted offenders to support investigations. Misleading calls like these can deter cooperation with real law enforcement efforts and create confusion about proper DNA collection procedures.

    The ISP reminds the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. Scammers commonly request payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or money transfer apps, clear indicators of fraudulent intent.

    Though these calls have been reported in Idaho, similar scams could emerge in other parts of the country. Scammers often use different variations of these schemes to target people in multiple regions. Questioning unexpected calls and reporting suspicious activities to local authorities are key steps in protecting yourself and others from fraud. Public awareness is essential to disrupt these operations and maintain trust in law enforcement and legitimate investigative programs.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 17, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, pandemic loans, ,   

    Pandemic Loans Exploited in Arrest Warrant Scams 

    Pandemic Loans Exploited in Arrest Warrant Scams

    By Greg Collier

    Scammers have found a way to exploit yet another avenue, This time it’s pandemic loans. In a sophisticated twist on the classic arrest warrant scam, criminals are now using detailed information about loans granted during the pandemic to make their schemes more convincing. These scams involve impersonating law enforcement officials, creating a sense of urgency, and pressuring victims to pay large sums of money to avoid arrest.

    This version of the scam usually begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, often using local sheriff’s offices as a cover. The caller informs the target that they have a warrant for failing to appear in court, usually related to a pandemic-era loan they allegedly received. What makes this scam particularly deceptive is the inclusion of specific information, such as the loan number, the loan amount, and even the name of the issuing bank.

    This scam preys on fear, confusion, and the complex nature of pandemic relief programs. Many individuals received financial assistance during the pandemic, often with complex terms and documentation. The scam exploits the anxiety that recipients might have missed an important notice or misunderstood the terms of their loan. Additionally, by providing detailed information that appears legitimate, the scammers build trust and catch their targets off guard.

    Victims are typically instructed to make immediate payments to resolve the supposed legal issue, with threats of arrest if they don’t comply. Some may even receive fake paperwork to add credibility to the scheme. These documents, at first glance, look authentic but often contain small errors, such as incorrect court names or postal tracking numbers that don’t align.

    This scam is another example of how scammers are leveraging social engineering techniques to gain trust. The use of official-sounding titles, detailed knowledge of personal loans, and realistic-sounding voicemails creates a sense of urgency. Scammers may also follow up with emails or certified mail, further enhancing the illusion of legitimacy.

    Law enforcement will never demand money over the phone or threaten arrest for missed payments. Taking time to verify the legitimacy of such claims and closely examining any accompanying paperwork can prevent costly mistakes. Scammers thrive on fear and urgency, and by remaining calm and cautious, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive schemes.

    This new variation on the arrest warrant scam highlights the lengths to which scammers will go to exploit public programs and personal fears. Pandemic relief loans, meant to help during difficult times, have now become tools for deception. Staying informed, scrutinizing unsolicited communication, and verifying all claims independently are essential to avoiding these traps. Remember, legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payments or threaten you over the phone. Awareness is the first line of defense against falling victim to these evolving scams.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on July 19, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , ,   

    Why ‘gag orders’ are red flags to a scam 

    By Greg Collier

    In many scams, perpetrators attempt to isolate their victims from friends and family, often virtually. Scammers frequently keep their victims on the phone while guiding them through the payment process. This tactic is particularly common in police impersonation scams, such as the jury duty scam or the grandparent scam. To prevent victims from contacting others, these impostors may threaten arrest, falsely claiming a ‘gag order’ is in place. While most people have heard of gag orders, this is not how they actually work.

    A gag order in US courts is a legal directive that restricts individuals, typically those involved in a legal proceeding, from discussing or disclosing certain information related to the case. These orders are issued by judges to ensure a fair trial by preventing the potential for prejudicial pretrial publicity and protecting the privacy and rights of the parties involved.

    Gag orders are issued by a court, typically signed by a judge and bearing official court insignia or letterhead. Official court orders are usually delivered through formal channels such as registered mail, a court official, or legal representative. If a gag order is delivered via email, text message, by phone call or any informal method, it’s likely fake.

    For example, in Northern Kentucky, police have issued a warning about scammers posing as law enforcement officers who extort money from victims under the pretense of legal fines. These scammers claim that a gag order is in place, threatening that discussing the matter with anyone else could worsen the victim’s legal situation.

    Scammers often rely on fear and urgency. Once a gag order is mentioned over the phone, there’s an overwhelming chance the caller is a scammer. Do not make any payments or provide personal information. Gag orders are not communicated or enforced over the phone. Politely hang up the phone. Engaging further could give the scammer more opportunities to manipulate you. Contact your local law enforcement agency or a legal professional to verify the legitimacy of the claim. Use official contact information, not the numbers provided by the caller. If possible, take note of the caller’s number, any names they use, and specific details of the conversation.

    By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and help authorities combat these fraudulent activities.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on May 8, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , ,   

    The jury duty scam is more dangerous than it seems 

    The jury duty scam is more dangerous than it seems

    By Greg Collier

    Typically, in a jury duty or arrest warrant scam, fraudsters adopt the guise of law enforcement or judicial authorities to coerce their victims into parting with their money. The common narrative involves the perpetrators informing their targets of an outstanding warrant for their arrest, often fabricated under the pretext of missed jury duty obligations. Typically, these scams unfold over the phone, with the scammers demanding payment through channels that are difficult to trace, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.

    What sets these scams apart is the absence of direct physical interaction between the victim and the scammer, creating an illusion of safety despite the financial loss incurred. However, scammers are now employing more aggressive intimidation tactics to extract larger sums from their victims.

    In Iowa, three individuals stand accused of orchestrating a fraudulent jury duty scheme that has reportedly victimized numerous residents in The Hawkeye State. In a chilling instance, a victim recounted receiving a call from three men who claimed she was the subject of a federal warrant for failure to appear and contempt of court. Purporting to be deputies from the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, two of the men, along with a third posing as a bail bonds agent, pressured the victim into believing she needed to surrender herself immediately to prove that the courts had not served her.

    Under the guise of urgency, the scammers insisted she pay $5,000 promptly. They further deceived her by asserting that payment could not be made at the bail bonds office due to its location on federal property, a restriction purportedly tied to her warrant status. Succumbing to the pressure, the victim met one of the men behind the bail bonds office and handed over $5,000. She was then directed to the Pottawattamie County Jail to validate her bond payment. However, upon arrival, she realized she had fallen prey to a scam.

    Although the victim emerged physically unscathed from this ordeal, it’s crucial to recognize that situations like these have the potential to escalate into violence with alarming ease. Fortunately, education serves as a potent antidote to such scams, offering individuals the tools they need to protect themselves from falling prey to deceitful tactics.

    First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that legitimate police departments or law enforcement agencies will never contact individuals by phone regarding an outstanding warrant. Protocol dictates that individuals with active arrest warrants will be approached in person by law enforcement officers. Secondly, it’s essential to recognize that law enforcement personnel or agents will never solicit money over the phone. Any such request is a clear indicator of a scam. Lastly, it’s important to debunk the misconception that bail bonds offices are situated on federal property. While they are commonly located in close proximity to courthouses, bail bonds offices typically operate on private property.

    If anyone receives a suspicious call fitting the description of these scams, the best course of action is to terminate the call immediately. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not arrest individuals for simply hanging up on a phone call. After ending the call, it’s advisable to reach out to your local police department and inform them of the incident. They are equipped to provide guidance and can confirm whether the call was indeed a scam, offering reassurance and potentially taking steps to investigate further.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on April 1, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , , , ,   

    The jury duty/arrest warrant scam never takes a holiday 

    By Greg Collier

    Over the Easter weekend, there really wasn’t any groundbreaking news about scams. However, we did observe a notable surge in reports about what we regard as one of the most prevalent scams, the jury duty or arrest warrant scam.

    The arrest warrant/jury duty scam is a type of phone scam where the scammer impersonates law enforcement officials or representatives from the court system.

    In this scam, the scammer typically calls the victim and informs them that there is a warrant out for their arrest due to failure to appear for jury duty or for some other alleged offense. The scammer then demands immediate payment of fines or fees to avoid arrest. They often pressure the victim to provide personal information or payment details over the phone.

    This scam is prevalent because the threat of arrest can cause individuals to panic and comply with the scammer’s demands without questioning the legitimacy of the call. As we often remark, hardly a day passes without some police department, regardless of its size, cautioning residents about this scam.

    For instance, in a recent incident in Evansville, Indiana, a victim fell prey to police impersonators, resulting in a loss of nearly $20,000. The impersonators falsely claimed to represent the local county sheriff’s office and informed the victim of an alleged open federal case against her. Following the typical pattern of this scam, the victim was coerced into believing she could evade arrest by paying a bond. The scammers directed her to a Bitcoin ATM to make the payment. After the initial payment, they deceitfully asserted that it hadn’t gone through and persuaded the victim to repeat the payment process.

    In Augusta, Georgia, there have been reports of scammers impersonating The U.S. Marshals Service. It’s a common tactic for scammers to pose as national law enforcement agencies such as the Marshals, the FBI, the DEA, or Customs and Border Protection. The idea behind impersonating federal officers is to increase the pressure on victims. In the Augusta case, the scammers are threatening victims with arrest for allegedly failing to appear in court for jury duty. In this instance, the fraudsters are demanding payment in the form of gift cards.

    In Atlantis, Florida, local police have issued warnings about scammers who are calling victims and pretending to be from an unidentified “human trafficking task force.” These scammers are going as far as spoofing the phone numbers of the local police department to appear more legitimate. Once again, victims are being threatened with arrest if they fail to make a payment. It’s likely that the scammers are posing as a human trafficking task force to instill fear in the victims, making them believe they could be labeled as predators if they don’t comply. The reports did not specify what type of untraceable payment method the scammers requested.

    Our main point is that these scams are not limited by location and can manifest in various forms. However, avoiding falling victim to them is straightforward if you remember one crucial fact. Legitimate law enforcement agencies or police departments will never request money over the phone, especially not through methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency. Moreover, it’s improbable for the police to issue warnings about warrants via phone calls when someone is wanted for arrest.

    If someone is approached by police impersonators over the phone, simply hang up the phone. You are not obligated to engage with them or provide any information. Then report the scam to your local law enforcement agency or the appropriate authorities. By reporting the incident, you can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on February 22, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , ,   

    Victim avoids arrest scam, still loses money 

    By Greg Collier

    The scam, known by various aliases such as the arrest warrant scam or the jury duty scam, is a form of police impersonation scheme that has become increasingly common. In this fraudulent tactic, perpetrators masquerade as representatives from the victim’s local law enforcement agency, often spoofing official phone numbers to enhance their credibility.

    The typical method involves informing the victim of an outstanding arrest warrant, commonly fabricated for offenses like missing jury duty, though the pretext can vary. The primary objective of the scam is to coerce the victim into paying a fine purportedly to resolve the warrant. Payment is typically demanded through channels that are difficult to trace, such as money transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.

    However, in a recent incident reported in Orlando, Florida, a victim discovered that the scam had a secondary agenda if the initial ploy failed. A fraudster posing as an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy contacted the victim, attempting to instill fear of imminent arrest and requesting payment via a money order. Although the victim resisted this primary coercion attempt, the scammers had a backup plan.

    Remarkably, the scammers possessed extensive personal information about their target, including their name, address, date of birth, and complete Social Security number. Such data can be obtained through illicit means, such as purchasing from other criminals or harvesting from data breaches. To execute their fallback strategy, the scammers required a voice recording of the victim.

    The victim’s bank utilized voice verification for transaction authorization. Exploiting this vulnerability, the scammers swiftly used a recorded snippet of the victim’s voice to siphon $900 from her account on the same day.

    It remains unclear whether the perpetrators employed advanced AI-generated voice spoofing tools, or if they resorted to a variation of the “Can you hear me now?” scam. In the latter, scammers prompt victims to utter affirmative responses, aiming to record them for potential circumvention of voice-based authorizations.

    Scammers can effortlessly manipulate caller ID to falsely display a phone number associated with law enforcement agencies, creating the illusion of an official call. However, it’s crucial to note that legitimate police practices differ significantly from these deceptive tactics. Law enforcement agencies typically do not issue arrest warrant notifications over the phone; instead, they prefer personal visits. Furthermore, it’s important to recognize that authentic law enforcement entities never demand fine payments over the phone while issuing threats of arrest.

    If you see a call appearing to be from the police on your caller ID, it’s wise to let it go to voicemail. Afterward, listen to the message carefully. To ensure there’s no urgent matter requiring your attention, it’s prudent to directly call your local police department using their non-emergency number. This approach helps confirm the legitimacy of the call and prevents falling prey to potential scams.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on January 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, ,   

    New arrest warrant scam shocks police 

    By Greg Collier

    There’s a new version of the arrest warrant scam going around in Florida that local police say is so advanced they may not ever catch the scammer. In a typical arrest warrant scam, the scammer calls their victim to tell them they have a warrant out for their arrest, but the victim can resolve the warrant by making a payment over the phone. These scammers will often spoof the phone number of the local police department to make the scam more convincing. Now, at least one scammer has virtually perfected the scam.

    In this instance, the scammer is posing as a county sheriff’s office when calling their victims, including the spoofed phone number. Victims are told they have a warrant out for their arrest, which carries a $50,000 bond. But for $5000 the victim can avoid arrest and be given a court date instead. Then, their $5000 will be refunded to them.

    The best scams have a kernel of truth to them, and this one is no exception. When someone is arrested, and needs to post bail, a bail bondsman will often accept 10% of the bond as payment.

    However, the scammer didn’t stop there. Not only did the scammer use the name of an actual police officer from that sheriff’s department, but they also sent victims realistic looking arrest warrants. The scammer also had a police scanner playing in the background.

    One potential victim, who is a former sheriff’s office employee, told the scammer to have the dispatch desk call him back. The scammer called back, spoofing the number of the dispatcher desk.

    As with most police impersonation scams, a little bit of knowledge can keep you from losing money. No legitimate law enforcement agency, department, or office will ever ask for money over the phone. Police do not call people who have an arrest warrant. Instead, they will go to see the suspect in person before making an arrest.

    If you ever receive a phone call like this, no matter how realistic it might sound, hang up, and call your local police department at their non-emergency number. They’ll be able to tell you if you’re being scammed.

     

  • Geebo 9:00 am on November 15, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , , ,   

    Jury duty scammers find the perfect victim 

    By Greg Collier

    The jury duty scam is a fraudulent scheme where scammers impersonate officials from the legal system, typically claiming to represent a court or law enforcement agency. The scam often begins with a phone call or email informing the targeted individual that they have failed to appear for jury duty and now face legal consequences such as fines or even arrest warrants. To resolve the supposed issue, the scammer then requests sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, financial details, or even payment for the fabricated penalties. These scams play on the fear of legal repercussions, catching victims off guard and coercing them into providing sensitive information or money to avoid fictitious consequences. If you go by the number of times this scam finds its way into headlines, it may be the most prolific scam going today.

    Recently, in the Atlanta Metro Area, scammers found a victim who had recently gone through an experience which made her the perfect victim for the jury duty scam. The scammers posed as her local police and told her she had missed jury duty. In this instance, they used the name of an actual police officer from that department. They told her a warrant was about to be issued for her arrest, but she could avoid that if she just paid a $3000 fine in Bitcoin. The victim deposited the money into a Bitcoin ATM that was in a local gas station. What made the victim more vulnerable to this scam than most was the fact she had just been excused from jury duty last month, so she thought the phony charge was somehow related to that. It was more than likely a coincidence that scammers found such a victim, as scammers typically cast the widest net possible in order to find as many victims as possible.

    If you receive any communication regarding jury duty, it is essential to independently verify its legitimacy. Contact your local courthouse or law enforcement agency directly using official contact information to confirm the authenticity of the message. Keep in mind that legitimate government entities do not employ aggressive tactics, issue threats, or demand immediate payments over the phone or through email. Should you suspect that you have become a target of a scam, promptly report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate action is taken.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on October 18, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , ,   

    Strange new police impersonation scam emerges 

    Strange new police impersonation scam emerges

    By Greg Collier

    As we often state, the police impersonation scam that is the most common has to be the jury duty scam. Again, this is when scammers pose as the victim’s local police, even going as far as to spoof the police department’s phone number. The victim is told they missed jury duty and a warrant has been issued for the victim’s arrest. Then the scammers tell the victim they can avoid arrest if they make an immediate payment. This payment is usually made through unconventional means such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers. A variation of this scam is when the victim is just told flat out there’s a warrant for their arrest.

    Now, a report out of Wisconsin says there is yet another version of the police impersonation scam. A sheriff’s department has issued a statement saying they’ve received an alarming number of phone calls about this scam. In the latest scam, the scammers are still posing as local police, including spoofed phone numbers, but the scammers’ demand is more than unusual. Residents have said that not only are the scammers demanding a $1000 payment in gift cards, but they’re also telling residents they need to undergo a court-ordered DNA test, or they’ll be arrested.

    We get why the scammers would ask for money in gift cards. That’s just what they do. However, a request for a victim’s DNA is a new one for us. We can’t imagine what the DNA would be used for, but the supposed DNA test may just be a ruse to get the victim to meet the scammer in person.

    Even with this new twist on the police impersonation scam, the ways to protect yourself remain the same. No legitimate law enforcement agency, office, or department will ever call you demanding payment. They won’t threaten you over the phone with arrest if you don’t pay them immediately. If there was a warrant out for your arrest, or a court-ordered DNA test was required, the investigating officers or agents would come to you without a phone call.

    If you receive one of these phone calls asking for money, or in this case your DNA, hang up and call your local police department at their non-emergency number. Not only can they advise you the call is a scam, but they can now inform the community of the scam as well.

     

  • Geebo 8:00 am on August 8, 2023 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: arrest warrant, , , , ,   

    How common is the jury duty scam? 

    How common is the jury duty scam?

    By Greg Collier

    We often say the most common scam we see in the news is the jury duty scam. Hardly a day goes by where we don’t see a police department or sheriff’s office warning their local residents about police imposters who are trying to trick victims out of their money.

    The jury duty scam is a type of fraud where scammers attempt to deceive individuals by posing as law enforcement officials or court representatives. They typically target people through phone calls claiming that the recipient has missed jury duty and is now facing legal consequences. The scammers then ask their victims to pay a fictitious fine that supposedly clears the arrest warrant.

    But the scammers don’t want you to go to the courthouse to pay the fine. They want their payment then and there, usually through payment apps like Zelle and Venmo, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or cryptocurrency.

    Just in the past 24 hours, we’ve seen jury duty scam warnings from the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, In Florida, the Annapolis Police Department, in Maryland, the Louisiana State Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, in Kansas, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office, in Montana, and the Mansfield Division of Police, in Ohio. Tomorrow, it could be another six police departments or more. If the scam hasn’t made it to your city or town, it’s probably on its way.

    If you receive a communication about jury duty, contact your local courthouse or law enforcement agency directly using official contact information to confirm its authenticity. Remember that legitimate government entities will not use aggressive tactics, threats, or demand immediate payments over the phone or email. If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to your local law enforcement agency and relevant authorities.

     

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