Press release from U.S. Marshals Northern District of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The U.S. Marshals are issuing a warning about numerous imposter scams occurring nationwide. These scams involve individuals posing as U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement personnel. Such fraudulent calls have been notably occurring in North Florida. Residents are encouraged to promptly report these calls to their nearest FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC can identify patterns of fraud based on the gathered information and can relay this data to law enforcement agencies.

In these calls, scammers attempt to secure payment to supposedly avoid arrest related to identity theft accusations, missing jury duty, or other alleged offenses. They instruct their targets to avoid arrest by withdrawing cash and transferring it to government accounts, purchasing prepaid debit cards such as Green Dot or other gift cards, and providing the card numbers over the phone, or depositing money into bitcoin ATMs.

These con artists use various strategies to appear legitimate, such as sharing fabricated badge numbers, using the names of real law enforcement officers and federal judges, and even providing actual court addresses. Additionally, they may manipulate caller ID to display phone numbers that seem to originate from a government agency or courthouse.

If you suspect that you have fallen prey to this type of scam, it is advised to report the occurrence to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov or reach out to your local FBI office.

Things to remember:

• U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
• NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
• Report scam phone calls to your local FBI office.
• You can remain anonymous when you report.
• Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.