How to Spot and Avoid Fake Police Phone Threats

Isabella Bank’s Fraud Department has recently seen an increase in fake arrest scams. In these scams, fraudsters call often using a spoofed number to appear legitimate and threaten arrest for something like an unknown crime or missed jury duty.

They may pressure you to send payment immediately through gift cards, credit cards, wire transfers, or payment apps to avoid jail time.

Isabella Bank wants to remind customers that local law enforcement agencies; including the Shepherd Police Department, Midland Police Department, Isabella County Sheriff’s Office, and Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office will never call to threaten arrest or demand payment over the phone.

Here’s how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

You may receive a call or message from someone claiming to be with the police, FBI, or even your local sheriff’s office. They say you’ve missed jury duty, committed a crime, or are under investigation. To avoid arrest, they demand payment right away. The scammer may sound convincing and use real names, case numbers, or other details to make the story more believable. But it’s all fake.

Example of the Scam

Bob received a phone call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Marshal. The caller said a warrant was out for Bob’s arrest because he failed to appear in court. To avoid being “taken into custody,” Bob was told to pay a fine using prepaid gift cards. The caller stayed on the phone, coaching Bob through purchasing and reading card numbers. Only later did Bob realize he had been scammed.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Fake Police Phone Call Scams

• Know the red flags. Law enforcement will not call you to demand payment or threaten arrest.
• Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can fake (or “spoof”) official phone numbers.
• Talk to someone you trust. Scammers use fear to isolate you. Talking to friends, family members, or us can help stop the scam.
• Hang up and verify. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the real agency using a verified number.
• Avoid rushed payments. Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency are strong signs of fraud.

If You've Been Scammed

If you’ve been targeted by a fake arrest call, follow these essential tips:

• Contact us. If your account information has been compromised, or if you have mistakenly given money to a scam, let us know.
• Report the scam to the FTC. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.FTC.gov. Also, inform your local law enforcement.
• Report the scam to the state attorney general. You can find information at NAAG.org.
• Don’t feel embarrassed. These scams are designed to pressure and trick you. What matters is taking quick action to limit the damage.