Scam Watch

How can you recognize Subpoena / arrest warrant phone scam — fake federal officer?

TLDR

Caller claims to be FBI, US Marshal, DEA or local sheriff with an active warrant for missed jury duty, drug trafficking or contempt. Victim told to avoid arrest by paying 'bond' in cash, gift cards, crypto or wire. FBI: no federal agency...

How it works

Caller claims to be FBI, US Marshal, DEA or local sheriff with an active warrant for missed jury duty, drug trafficking or contempt. Victim told to avoid arrest by paying 'bond' in cash, gift cards, crypto or wire. FBI: no federal agency...

Red flags

  • Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.
  • A link or sender that does not match the official organization.
  • Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.

What to do

  1. 1WHAT TO DO: hang up; verify any warrant by calling local court clerk directly; jury fines come by paper notice.

Source

FBI-IC3

Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team

https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2024/PSA240807

FAQ

Is Subpoena / arrest warrant phone scam — fake federal officer a real scam pattern?

Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.

What are the first warning signs?

Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.; A link or sender that does not match the official organization.; Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.

What should I do first?

WHAT TO DO: hang up; verify any warrant by calling local court clerk directly; jury fines come by paper notice.

Can LegalAudit check my case?

Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.