Middlesex County, MA – Authorities are warning residents about law enforcement impersonation scams after a Medford resident reportedly lost $7,500 to someone posing as a member of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and Medford Police Department, the resident received a phone call and text Monday from a scammer falsely claiming to represent the sheriff’s office.
The perpetrators allegedly told the victim that a warrant had been issued for the resident’s arrest for failing to appear for jury duty. To make the scheme appear legitimate, the scammer allegedly texted the victim a copy of a warrant.
Authorities said the victim was then instructed to pay a $7,500 fine using bitcoin.
Officials emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will not threaten residents with arrest or demand payment of fines or fees over the phone. Massachusetts government agencies also do not accept bitcoin, cryptocurrency or gold as payment for outstanding fines or fees, authorities said.
Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said scammers use the fear of arrest to pressure victims into paying thousands of dollars to avoid incarceration.
Residents who receive a suspicious call should hang up and independently contact the law enforcement agency using its publicly listed main phone number. Officials advise remaining on the line with the actual agency to determine whether a warrant exists and how any legitimate matter should be resolved.
Authorities said government and law enforcement impersonation scams remain widespread across Middlesex County, including Medford and the greater Boston area.
Anyone receiving an unexpected demand for immediate payment should avoid sending money or cryptocurrency and verify the claim directly with authorities.
