Westchester County, NY – Police are warning residents about a Bitcoin scam involving a fake federal arrest warrant demand.
According to the Westchester County Police Department, a county resident was contacted by someone claiming to be “Captain Timothy Jakobs of the Westchester County Sheriff’s Department” and told there was a federal warrant for his arrest. The caller allegedly said the matter could be resolved with a $9,000 payment made through a Bitcoin ATM.
Police said the phone number appeared to be spoofed to display the department’s actual headquarters number. In a follow-up email, the fraudster allegedly sent a fake arrest warrant bearing the department’s address and references to U.S. Department of Justice logos.
Authorities said the targeted resident became suspicious and gathered information before contacting the department’s tip line. Police stated the scammer stopped responding when attempts were made to re-engage through the would-be victim.
Officials emphasized that no entity currently operates as the “Westchester County Sheriff’s Department” and reiterated that government agencies will never request payment in Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid cards to resolve warrants or fines.
Police also advised residents not to click on unexpected email links or attachments, even if they appear to come from official sources.
The alert is particularly relevant for residents who rely on phone calls for official notifications, including older adults and young professionals managing financial accounts.
Authorities encourage anyone who receives similar calls to report them immediately.
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