Authorities Warn of Fake Arrest Warrant Scam

Were you told recently that authorities had an arrest warrant out for you for a crime you know you didn't commit?

Odds are good that you suddenly hadn't become part of a real-life version of The Fugitive. Instead, you were probably the victim of a fake arrest warrants scam that authorities are warning residents about. 

Here's what a press release from the Clerk of Court office from the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois had to say about this scam: 

Federal District Courts around the country are reporting incidents of scam phone calls being placed indicating that fake arrest warrants have been issued. Individuals have been contacted through phone calls, e-mails and faxes indicating that a fake arrest warrant was issued in their name. A valid arrest warrant would not be served by phone, fax or e-mail. A valid arrest warrant is served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer. 

There have been reports that the offenders may ask for personal identifying
information, money, money orders or prepaid cards to cancel or void the bench warrant.

The non-official warrants may display a logo of an unspecified “United States District Court,” a case number, and/or various charges. Typically, recipients are instructed to call a number to get a “settlement” or to wire money or provide prepaid cards to avoid arrest.

The offenders are stating that the fake warrants are for such offenses as missed jury duty, money laundering or bank fraud. 

If you live in the Northern District of Illinois and have been contacted by someone reporting to be from a law enforcement agency about a fake arrest warrant, please contact the U.S. Marshals Service by emailing them at n.iljuryscam@usdoj.gov or calling them at 312-353-2284. The penalties for anyone demanding or obtaining money or anything of value while impersonating an officer or employee of the United States may be fined and/or imprisoned up to three years.