“Federal Arrest Warrant – Phone Scam”
The Flagler Beach Police Department is providing this awareness announcement in an effort to warn and alert citizens in our community that there is a telephone “scam” currently taking place in the area. To date there have been no victims in Flagler Beach and we hope this information thwarts anyone from becoming a victim.
The scam involves a fraudulent caller (or an automated call) contacting members of the public and alleging they have an active federal arrest warrant for tax fraud and demanding payment of fines. The phone number associated with this scam is (202) 621-0123.
According to a 2014 release from the United States Marshall’s Service a similar phone scam was active in Dayton, Ohio in 2014 when a fraudster identified himself as a Law Enforcement Officer and informed potential victims they had active federal warrants for their arrest. The caller then gave the potential victims a contact number and information to pay the fine. The phony Law Enforcement Officer threatened the potential victims with arrest if the fine was not paid. 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.
Citizens in our community should stay vigilant and maintain a healthy skepticism should they receive any telephone calls of this nature. If you receive a call of this nature please be cautious, hang up and contact your local Law Enforcement agency for assistance.
If you have any questions regarding this active phone scam, please feel free to contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2023.
Additional information on the United States Marshall’s Service can be located at their website; https://www.usmarshals.gov/