SAN ANTONIO — The United States Marshals Service is warning residents of a telephone scam involving fraudulent callers contacting people, threatening arrests and demanding payment of fines.
Several citizens reported a fraudulent caller who identified himself as a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The phony law enforcement officer informed his intended targets that arrest warrants were being issues for them or their family members due to their failure to appear in court. He then told the potential victims that they could avoid arrest by paying a fine through electronic money transfer or cashier's check.
The marshals service was informed of this scam after receiving several calls from concerned citizens.
“The U.S. Marshals Service is a federal law enforcement agency and does not seek payment of fines or fees via the telephone for individuals with outstanding arrest warrants,” U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau said in a statement. “Citizens should not divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.”
The marshals service says if you believe you are a victim of fraud to report the incident through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center here.
They also advise that you report online, business or phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission immediately by clicking here.
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