Attorney General Dave Sunday has issued a warning to Pennsylvania residents about a rising government imposter scam that involves a spoofed phone number and threats of arrest by individuals claiming to be from the “sheriff’s office.” Scammers are using these tactics to instill fear and pressure victims into making immediate payments to avoid alleged legal consequences.
How the Scam Works
According to AG Sunday, “In most cases, the scammer notifies the target of an unpaid ticket or other legal issue and claims that a sheriff’s deputy is on their way with a warrant for arrest. The scammer then offers the resident a ‘lifeline’ by demanding immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency ATMs.”*
Protect Yourself
- Verify Caller Identity: If you receive such a call, request the caller’s name, badge number, the law enforcement agency they work for, and telephone number of their office. Then, ask permission to call them back immediately at that number directly to confirm their identity. If they refuse, it’s a scam.*
- Recognize Red Flags: Legitimate government agencies will never demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Be cautious of callers who refuse to provide verification or pressure you to act right away.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you’ve been targeted or have fallen victim to this scam, report it immediately to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at www.attorneygeneral.gov or call 1-800-441-2555.