If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal, be wary of their instructions. The Federal Trade Commission is warning people about a recent scam involving impostors threatening individuals with arrest in order to get money from them.
Consumer Education Specialist Bridget Small said that U.S. Marshals do a lot of things, they protect the federal courts, track down dangerous fugitives and transport thousands of prisoners. What they don’t do is make calls and threaten to arrest people or fine them for missing jury duty.
She warns that scammers can use fake caller ID information to seem more legitimate so you can’t always trust a name or number that appears on your phone. Criminals will call, posing as a U.S. Marshal or other government officials, and tell people they’ll be arrested unless they immediately pay a fine.
If you receive a suspicious phone call never send money by prepaid card or wire money since the transaction cannot be easily traced or reversed. Small also says not to share any personal or financial information because it can be used to commit identity theft.
If you get a call that fits this description, report it to the FTC and to your local Marshal Service District Office.
