Scam warning
Fake Police Officer Scam
A scammer calls pretending to be a police officer, sheriff or federal agent. They say there is a warrant for your arrest, or that you missed jury duty, and you must pay right away.
Also called: Warrant scam, Sheriff scam, Law enforcement impersonation
The one thing to remember
Real police will never call you to ask for money. Nobody can pay off an arrest with gift cards.
How it happens
- You get a call. The caller ID may even show a real police department's name.
- The caller says they are an officer. They may use a real officer's name and badge number.
- They say you have a warrant, missed jury duty, or are linked to a crime.
- They say you can avoid arrest if you pay a “fine” right now, often with gift cards, a wire transfer, or a Bitcoin machine.
- They tell you not to hang up and not to tell anyone.
Warning signs
- A call saying you will be arrested unless you pay.
- Being asked for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash.
- Being told to stay on the phone or keep it secret.
- Threats that sound scary and urgent.
What to do
- Hang up. You won't get in trouble for hanging up.
- Call your local police department using the number on their official website, and ask if the call was real.
- Never give your Social Security number, bank details or payment to the caller.
- Report the call to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
What it looks like
Real examples of this scam. Yours may look a little different.
Last checked: October 31, 2026