This afternoon, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office received a concerning report from a county resident who was targeted by a scam involving an individual impersonating law enforcement.

The county resident received a phone call claiming there was a warrant for their arrest, which could be resolved by paying a significant sum of money. The resident was threatened with immediate arrest if payment was not made. Adding to the deception, the scammer then sent the resident a text message containing a fabricated photo of what appeared to be an arrest warrant.

Tragically, the resident, fearing legal repercussions, complied with the demands and paid the scammer. Our office and the victim’s local police department are in the process of investigating this case.

This is a stark reminder that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. They often prey on fear and urgency to trick unsuspecting individuals into sending money or personal information.

Here are some important things to remember to protect yourself from imposter scams, especially those claiming to be law enforcement:

• Law enforcement agencies will NEVER demand immediate payment via text message, phone call, or email to avoid arrest. Official communication regarding fines or legal obligations will typically be through official mail.
• Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank account details, or credit card numbers, over the phone or via text message to someone you don't know. Legitimate agencies will not ask for this information in this manner.  
• Be wary of urgent and threatening language. Scammers often use aggressive tactics to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking.
• Always verify the identity of the person contacting you. If someone claiming to be from law enforcement contacts you, do not hesitate to hang up and independently verify their identity by calling the official number of your local police department or sheriff's office. You can find these numbers on your local government's official website.
• Do not click on suspicious links or attachments in text messages or emails from unknown sources. These can lead to malicious websites designed to steal your information.
• Talk to someone you trust before making any decisions based on a suspicious communication. A fresh perspective can often help identify a scam.

If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding payment, DO NOT send money. Instead, report the incident immediately to your local police department or sheriff's office. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

Let's work together to protect our community from these predatory scams. Share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors to help raise awareness.

Sadly, this is not the first time our office has seen or heard of this type of scam. Please, stay vigilant and stay safe!