WASHINGTON — A new scam has grown traction in the DC area. Scammers are now reportedly impersonating MPD officers via phone and email.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, scammers are replicating real government phone numbers to appear real. The group is targeting victims and telling them that an arrest warrant has been issued on their behalf for failure to appear in court or for jury duty.
The scammers then proceed to threaten the victims, telling them that if they go to police headquarters to follow up on the warrants they are at risk of being arrested on the spot. Once the victims begin to panic, the scammer begins to bargain with them.
They will offer the victims an alternative to being arrested, suggesting that the victims send them money to avoid jail time. To ensure that they aren't caught, the scammers then tell the victims not to tell anyone about the call they just had.
Recently, scammers have begun going as far as sending emails with photos of an MPD badge and a Photoshopped ID.
If this happens to you:
- Don’t feel pressured to act. Scammers may have some public information about you (like your name and address), but that does not mean they are legitimate. Verify by contacting the appropriate agency directly using their customer service info on their public websites.
- MPD will never demand payment by phone. Do not share your credit card number, personal information, or other financial information. Do not wire transfer money or transfer funds to anyone you do not know.
- Share what you know with others. By telling your friends and family members about the scam, you can help protect your community.
Police are reminding the community that they would never solicit anyone for money, bank information, or social security numbers. If you have been a victim of this scam please contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159.