Fort Wayne, IN – Residents across Fort Wayne and Allen County are being warned about a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and demand money, according to the Fort Wayne Police Department.
According to police, the scam involves suspects calling individuals and falsely identifying themselves as officers or other law enforcement personnel. Victims are told they have outstanding warrants or citations and must make immediate payments to avoid arrest. When victims question the claims, callers often say the issue involves a forged signature.
In some cases, a second caller joins the call, posing as a “supervisor” or higher-ranking officer to reinforce the story. Authorities say the tactic is designed to create urgency and pressure victims into paying a bond or fee while remaining on the phone.
Police say scammers may become aggressive if challenged, sometimes threatening arrest or claiming they can track the victim’s location through GPS. Officials emphasize these claims are false and meant to intimidate.
The Fort Wayne Police Department stresses that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not call to demand payment for warrants, citations, or bonds. Payments are never requested via phone, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other unconventional methods.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such calls, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and never send money. Anyone unsure about a claim should contact the police department directly using an official number.
Authorities encourage reporting incidents to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s non-emergency line at 260-427-1222 and sharing the warning with others.
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