Maricopa County, AZ – The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a growing phone scam where callers impersonate law enforcement officers and demand money for supposed arrest warrants.
According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Financial Crimes Unit, scammers are posing as deputies, telling victims they have an outstanding warrant—often for missing jury duty—and must pay immediately to avoid arrest. The fraudsters then instruct victims to make payments using gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or even by handing over jewelry or other valuables to a courier.
Officials said victims who refuse to pay are often threatened with arrest or additional penalties. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies never demand payment over the phone or request financial information from residents.
Authorities urge anyone contacted by such callers to hang up immediately and report the scam to their local law enforcement agency using the non-emergency line. Reports can also be filed directly with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov.
MCSO said that every report helps investigators track and stop fraud operations targeting residents across Arizona.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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