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Gwinnett police warn of phone scam targeting residents – WSB-TV Channel 2

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GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia – Gwinnett County Police are warning of a widespread phone scam designed to extort money from you.

According to police, the number of people posing as department officers has increased recently.

Sometimes callers give the name of a real officer or a fake name with a fake service number. The callers then threaten to arrest the victim if he or she does not send money or take some other action.

According to police, the caller often asks the victim to transfer money using non-traditional payment methods such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers. The department reminded residents that it would never request payments over the phone.

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The police listed the following variants of this scheme:

  • In case of non-payment, the use of a supply or service will be stopped immediately.
  • An arrested relative needs money for bail or to have charges dismissed.
  • An outstanding arrest warrant/fine must be paid immediately, otherwise the victim will be arrested.
  • Failure to attend jury duty, which may result in possible criminal charges.
  • A pre-approved loan or a lottery win is available if the victim transfers a small entry fee.
  • An immigration agency claims that a person will be deported if payment is not received.

The department also asked people to inquire about the identity of the caller and contact the agency they claim to represent.

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