The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office are warning the public about a telephone scam that uses the threat of arrest to extort money from potential victims.
Several residents have reported receiving unsolicited phone calls claiming they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The resident is provided with a phone number and instructed to call an individual the scammer claims to be a lieutenant with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer then demands immediate payment for an alleged fine. Through threats and intimidation, they attempt to convince residents to purchase prepaid credit cards and provide the identification numbers which allows the scammers to obtain the money from the cards.
If residents receive a call of this nature, immediately hang up with the caller and verify the claim by calling the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office at 703-228-4460. Never use a phone number provided to you from the caller to verify their credibility.
The Arlington County Police Department and Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens that agency representatives have never and will never call to solicit funds or collect fines. Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by following these crime prevention tips:
Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls.
Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact.
Trust your instincts: if an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.
After making a verification call, if you find that you were a target or victim of a scam, file an online police report or call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222.