Police Warn of Arrest Warrant Phone Scams

Release, Town of Leesburg:

The Leesburg Police Department continues to receive complaints regarding scams involving fictitious arrest warrants. In each case, the suspect has identified himself as a law enforcement officer, and made references to the victim having a warrant issued for their arrest. The two most recent cases were reported to the police department on Friday June 27, 2014. In one of the cases, the suspect utilized a second person acting as an “attorney” to facilitate the money transfer. 

In lieu of being arrested, the suspect offers the victim the opportunity to settle the issue by obtaining electronic MoneyPak orders, or “Green Dot Cards” in the amount of $2000 from a local convenience store. Once the victim confirms the purchase of the MoneyPak, or Green Dot Cards, the suspect gets the victim to give them the serial numbers from the card so that the funds can be electronically transferred unbeknownst to the victim. Once that occurs, all communication with the suspect ceases.

Unfortunately these types of scams, as well as various others, occur far too often and people fall victim to scam artists looking to turn a quick profit by playing on the fears of victims by implying that they or one of their loved ones is in some sort of trouble.

The Leesburg police Department would like to remind citizens to be wary of that “phishing” scams such as this prey on the fears of the unknowing public to attempt to intimidate people into cooperating. 

Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords, serial numbers, and credit card details, by pretending to be a trustworthy person or business. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message, although phone contact can be used.

These cases are currently being investigated by the Leesburg Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section. The Police Department would like to remind citizens to contact their local law enforcement agency if you feel that are a victim of these types of schemes.