Over the last few days, suspects impersonating court officers have deluged the phone scam area with phone calls as part of an ongoing scam.
One example occurred Monday involving a victim who received a call from a “process server” (suspect). The caller requested she confirm her address because two arrest warrants for failing to appear on a federal jury notice had been issued in her name. The suspect even identified a Prescott Superior Court Judge by name as the one who issued the warrants. The suspect demanded she arrange to pay the $1000 bond “right now.” The victim smartly questioned the validity of the call, did not comply, and verified with the local court that the call was a scam.
Another example occurred yesterday and involved a victim who received a call on her cell phone during her workday in Prescott. The caller told her a phone scam had been issued in her name and demanded payment. The victim refused and hung up. The number was recorded as 928-200-xxxx. A number with this 200 prefix has been noted in several of these cases.
Remember, as part of the scam suspects will demand payment by pre-paid debit card or suggest the “bail” money be wired to a specified location. In other versions of the scam, the suspects attempt to obtain personal information to use for identity theft. YCSO has contacted the appropriate cell phone company regarding the number provided yesterday and it has been disconnected. Many times suspects will use pre-paid cells phones which are difficult to trace.
Please share this information with family and friends.
REMEMBER, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WILL NEVER CALL TO SOLICIT PAYMENT ON A WARRANT IN THIS MANNER.
THE NAMES PROVIDED BY SUSPECTS MAY OR MAY NOT REPRESENT A TRUE PERSON- EITHER WAY THESE CALLS ARE ALWAYS FRAUDULENT!
If you receive such calls, please contact your local police agency using their commonly published business phone number to report the fraud. Please share with family and friends.
Additional information here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbOguX8f4RA