Arrest Warrant Scam

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

 

Arrest Warrant Scam

The Court has received reports that citizens of the Eastern District of Washington have been faxed or emailed "Arrest Warrants" indicating that a federal law enforcement officer or an attorney for the government is pursuing the citizen's arrest for charges including money laundering, bank fraud, or missed jury duty. The "warrant" typically directs the recipient to call a number to get a “settlement” or to wire money to avoid arrest.

Although these faxed/emailed "warrants" may display a logo of an unspecified “United States District Court,” a case number, and various charges, these documents are phony and part of a larger phishing scam. A valid warrant would not be served by fax or e-mail. It would be served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer.

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.

If you are in receipt of a fake arrest warrant as described in this announcement, please contact the FBI or the U.S. Marshals Office for the Eastern District of Washington immediately.