Local law enforcement has been made aware of a resurgence of telephone scams by persons attempting to impersonate state and federal law enforcement agencies. Prosecuting Attorney Dan Turner wants to remind the public to always be on the lookout for scam artists because state and federal agencies do not call or email individuals threatening arrest or demanding money. 

To avoid becoming a victim of this scam, Turner advises that you should be wary of answering phone calls from numbers you do not recognize and should not send money or provide any information to anyone that you do not trust. The scammers often demand payment via gift cards which is an obvious sign that they are not affiliated with any legitimate government agency.

“You should always be vigilant if you receive a telephone call or email from an unknown number,” said Turner, “and never give out your personal information, including your Social Security number, over the phone or to individuals you do not know.” 

According to Turner, “These scammers often spoof caller ID information, and these phone calls are fraudulent even if they appear to be coming from an agency’s legitimate phone number. Recipients should hang up immediately and report the call.”

While these scammers often discourage people from contacting local law enforcement officials, you should always hang up and talk to the local police if you receive a call threatening you with a fine or an alleged legal warrant.