The "police" called. The warrant was fake.

A caller said they were local police—there was a warrant for missed court or unpaid fines, and I had to pay immediately to avoid arrest.

They cited a badge number and a case ID that sounded official.

They insisted on gift cards or wire to “clear” the warrant before the end of the shift.

I bought cards and read codes until my partner walked in and asked why law enforcement would want iTunes balances.

Fake law enforcement scams use fear and authority; real agencies do not collect fines with gift cards or threaten instant arrest for card payments over the phone.

While I stayed on the line I was afraid that hanging up would make things worse; the script was built to keep me from checking facts.

I called non-emergency police from a second phone; the desk said no warrant existed in my name and the number I had been given was not theirs.

The money on the cards was gone; I filed a report and felt angry that someone had borrowed the badge’s credibility to steal.

I hang up on any payment demand from a cold caller claiming to be police, then call the published station number myself.

• Police do not ask for gift cards or crypto to clear warrants.
• Verify by calling your local department directly; report impersonation.

For more help, see our Report a scam page and Spot and avoid scams guide.