The 'warrant for your arrest' call

A caller claiming to represent law enforcement threatens you with arrest unless you pay money immediately—but real courts never demand instant payment over the phone.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z

How it works

You receive a call from someone impersonating a police officer, judge, or court official who says you have an outstanding warrant or unpaid fine. They create urgent pressure by threatening arrest, jail time, or seizure of property if you don't pay right away—usually demanding payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency so the transaction can't be reversed.

What it can look like

You get a call saying you missed jury duty or owe back taxes, and the caller claims officers will arrest you within hours unless you pay a 'fine' immediately. They may even spoof a local police department's phone number to make the call look official.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You receive a call from someone claiming to be a law-enforcement officer or court official. They say there's a warrant for your arrest, unpaid taxes, or a legal judgment against you. The caller sounds official and may reference your name or address to seem legitimate.

The caller creates urgency and fear. They tell you that you must act immediately—today—or police will come to your home or workplace. They may threaten jail time or asset seizure. You feel panicked and your instinct is to solve this quickly.

The caller offers a way out: you can resolve this by paying a fine or fee right now, usually by wire transfer, gift card, or prepaid card. They stay on the line and guide you step-by-step through the payment process, keeping the pressure high.

You stop when you hang up and call your bank, local police, or a trusted friend. A real warrant or court order arrives by mail—it is never announced only by phone. Law enforcement does not demand immediate payment by wire or gift card. Legitimate agencies do not threaten arrest to extort money.

Red flags

Caller demands immediate payment to avoid arrest—legitimate courts send official mail and give you time to respond.
They insist you pay by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency—real government agencies accept checks and official payment methods.
Caller refuses to let you hang up, verify their identity, or speak to a real office.
They threaten to have you arrested 'within the hour' unless you comply.
They claim you can't tell family, friends, or your lawyer about the call.

What to do

Hang up immediately. If you're unsure, call your local police department directly using a number you find yourself (not one the caller provides).
Remember: law enforcement agencies contact people by mail, not surprise phone calls demanding instant payment.
Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track these scams.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact with the caller immediately. Do not send any more money or information. Block the phone number if possible.
Contact your bank, card issuer, or wire-transfer service right away. Report the fraud and ask if the payment can be stopped or reversed. Keep the reference numbers and transaction details.
Change passwords for any online accounts, especially banking and email, in case your personal information was shared. Consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Also file a report with your local police department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T18:14:57.874Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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