LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The U.S. Marshals Service issuing a warning of several imposter scams involving people claiming to be marshals, court officers, or other types of law enforcement officials.
During the calls, the scammers try to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for offenses ranging from claims of identity theft, to failing to report for jury duty, to other civil process issues. They say the person can only avoid arrest by depositing cash in a bitcoin ATM, or by transferring it via cash app.
Marshals caution, the caller may use credible-sounding details like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officers or judges, and using courthouse addresses. They also spoof government phone numbers on caller IDs, to make the scam seem all the more legitimate.
They may also have personal information about the victim, including previous addresses and phone numbers, and they’ll provide fake personal ID, case, and warrant numbers to provide an official veneer.
Finally, the scammers will ask the victim to send a photo of their driver’s license to a provided phone number. They’re then asked to send the QR code generated by a Bitcoin ATM at the time of their deposit.
Marshals they never ask for credit or debit card numbers, wire transfers, bank routing numbers, or instruct anyone to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose. They also warn people to never share personal or financial information with unknown callers.
Multiple victims report losing thousands, and even tens of thousands of dollars to this scam.
The Marshals Service urges anyone who’s been targeted by this spoof to contact their local FBI.
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