Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday issued a warning Friday regarding an increase in government imposter scams targeting residents across the state.
Callers are reportedly posing as members of local county sheriff’s offices to demand fraudulent payments for bail or bonds.
The scammers use phone number spoofing to make their contact information appear legitimate on caller IDs. These individuals typically claim that an arrest warrant has been issued because a resident failed to appear for federal grand jury duty or missed a court hearing.
No law enforcement agency, government office, or court will ask for fees to be paid with gift cards, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency, Sunday says.
“Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing, but their goal remains the same – to pressure you into sending money before you have time to verify the facts,” Sunday said. “No legitimate law enforcement agency or court will demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, hang up, verify the information independently and report it.”
The Office of Attorney General identified several red flags to help residents spot the scam. These include callers who insist that a person stay on the phone until payment is received or provide a QR code to scan.
Scammers may also instruct individuals to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. In some instances, callers encourage residents to lie to bank tellers by claiming the funds are for home improvements or a car purchase rather than bail or a bond.
State officials recommend that anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up immediately and avoid withdrawing cash based on phone instructions. The office suggests talking to a trusted person, especially if the caller claims the situation involves a crime or demands secrecy.
Residents are cautioned never to transfer money, cryptocurrency or gold to an unknown person in response to an unexpected message.
Residents who wish to confirm the legitimacy of a call from their local sheriff’s department can call one-800-441-2555. Complaints may also be submitted to the Bureau of Consumer Protection by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or by visiting the Office of Attorney General website.
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