HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents about an increase in government imposter scams involving callers who claim to represent local county sheriff’s offices.
The calls may appear legitimate because scammers use phone number spoofing to make the caller ID display the number of an actual sheriff’s office.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, callers may claim that an arrest warrant has been issued because the recipient failed to appear for federal grand jury duty or missed a court hearing. The scammer then demands immediate payment of “bail” or a “bond” to avoid arrest.
Officials emphasize that legitimate law enforcement agencies and courts will not demand immediate payment over the phone. Government agencies and courts also will not require payment of outstanding fees using gift cards, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
Anyone receiving such a call should hang up and independently verify any claims by contacting the appropriate government agency through an official phone number.
Suspected scams can also be reported to local authorities and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
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