Law Enforcement Scam

Scammers pretending to be local police or law enforcement officers threaten arrest, fines, or legal action if you don’t pay immediately. They may even spoof real police numbers to appear legitimate. Real police will never demand payment over the phone or ask for Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.

Scammers pretend to be police to

intimidate victims into paying.

They use real department names and

numbers to sound believable.

Real officers don’t collect fines or

bail money over the phone.

WARNING

Police will never threaten you with arrest or demand immediate payment.
If you receive a call like this, hang up and contact your local department directly.

If someone tells you to send Bitcoin, hang up immediately, it’s a scam.

Social Engineering

Scammers don’t hack computers — they hack people.

Social engineering means tricking you into trusting them so they can steal your money or information. They pretend to be someone real; a bank, utility, or government agency, and use fear or urgency to make you act fast.

If you feel pressured, it’s a scam. Hang up, delete the message, and verify it yourself.

How the Law

Enforcement Scam Works

The Call

You receive a call claiming to be from local police or a federal agency.

The Threat

The caller says you missed jury duty, owe fines, or are under investigation.

The Pressure

They warn that officers are “on their way” unless you pay right now.

The Payment

You’re told to send Bitcoin, wire money, or buy gift cards — then read the codes aloud.

Real vs Fake

Real Law Enforcement

  • Never calls demanding money or gift cards.
  • Doesn’t threaten arrest over the phone.
  • Uses official court systems, not payment apps or ATMs.

Scam Operation

  • Spoofs real police numbers to sound official.
  • Creates urgency and fear to make you act fast.
  • Disappears the moment you send payment.
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