Scammers are at it again.  Gone are the days of the rich prince who will reward you handsomely. Now scammers are reaching a new depth that can cause irreparable damage.  Anderson County Sheriff's Department is warning everyone that there is a new bond scam and law enforcement scam everyone needs to be on the lookout for. 

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Scammers, posing as law enforcement officials, contact potential victims claiming there’s an outstanding arrest warrant in their name. This can be particularly alarming as the scammer may have some personal information about the victim, making the claim seem legitimate. They often use spoofed phone numbers that appear to come from a government agency or the court, adding to the deception.

The scammers may allege various offenses, such as identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other infractions. They assert that the victim can avoid arrest by paying a fine, usually demanding payment through unconventional methods like Bitcoin ATMs, wire transfers, or gift cards.

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Recognizing the Scam:

• Unusual Payment Methods: Legitimate government agencies will never ask for payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies.

• Threats and Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency, threatening immediate arrest to pressure victims into paying without verifying the information.

• Spoofed Caller ID: The call may appear to come from a legitimate agency, but caller ID can be faked.

Protective Measures:

• Verification: If you receive such a call, do not provide any personal information or agree to make payments. Instead, hang up and contact the agency directly using a verified phone number.

• Awareness: Educate yourself and others about this scam to prevent falling victim to it. Remember that real arrest warrants are not served over the phone.

• Reporting: Report any scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local law enforcement.

Recent Incidents: There have been reports of such scams across various regions. For instance, the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about a telephone scam attempting to collect money for fake warrants. In another case, a Michigan woman was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud after trying to obtain money from a resident to avoid arrest on a fake “FBI Warrant of Arrest” for alleged "IRS tax fraud".

Conclusion: The arrest warrant scam is a serious issue that preys on fear and urgency. By staying informed, verifying information, and reporting scams, you can protect yourself and help prevent these fraudulent activities. Always remember that legitimate legal processes do not involve over-the-phone settlements or payments through insecure channels.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by this scam, it’s crucial to report it to the authorities to help stop the scammers from exploiting others. Stay vigilant and always question unexpected calls demanding money or personal information. 

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