The Denver Division of the FBI is warning residents of both Colorado and Wyoming of a phone scam being conducted where the caller identifies themselves as a law enforcement official and asks for money or gift cards to clear supposed warrants and fines.
According to a press release sent by the FBI, more than 300 women in Larimer County had been scammed through the scheme from 2016-2021 while more than 100 women in the Denver area had been scammed from 2017-2021.
“The FBI warns citizens that if they receive a phone call from someone claiming to be law enforcement asking for money or gift cards, to hang up and report it to their local law enforcement authorities and the FBI,” FBI Denver Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Schneider said.
The calls come from spoofed law enforcement numbers, adding an extra layer of seeming legitimacy to the calls. They also target women working in lucrative careers that also have an online presence.
Some activities people can watch for during a conversation with a supposed scammer include:
Calls from local law enforcement stating an individual has fines for outstanding warrants.
Calls from local law enforcement stating the court is holding the individual in contempt for failure to appear for jury duty.
Calls from local law enforcement stating an individual has been placed under a “gag order” and is not allowed to speak with anyone else regarding the matter.
Calls from local law enforcement demanding you remain on the line until the “bond” is paid.
Requests for monetary gift cards (MoneyPak/green dot etc.) bank deposits, and voucher purchases to clear court fines or avoid jail time.
Requests for videos or pictures of individuals conducting a personal strip search of themselves to clear court fines or avoid jail time.
Callers have also been described as having a southern accent.
The FBI reminds residents law enforcement will never call if someone has an arrest warrant for missing jury duty, nor will they ask to send money to clear a warrant.
Lastly, they will never ask a person to send pictures or videos of themselves for any reason.
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