James City County Police are warning about scam phone calls

JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. – A new warning from police tonight about scam phone calls.

Officials with the James City County Police Department and the Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office say they are seeing a “significant increase” in fraud reports.

It all starts with a phone call and a warning that the police will arrest you if you don’t pay – usually with gift cards or Bitcoin.

It’s a widespread scam, and authorities in James City County say these types of scams are on the rise and have issued a new warning.

“We receive reports about her on a daily basis,” said Detective Josh Ernst. “Of course if you hang up they threaten to get you arrested – which isn’t the case at all – but they use fear as a tactic.”

A recent victim in James City County suffered “significant financial losses” after falling for a similar scam, according to a release from James City County Police.

Ernst says you have to pay attention to things to avoid becoming a victim.

The scammers typically pose as police officers and use pressure and scare tactics to get victims to comply over the phone.

Sometimes the scammers claim that you have federal or other warrants out for your arrest and will be taken into custody if you don’t pay immediately.

Or victims are told that they missed the court date and need to transfer money to avoid running into trouble with the law.

“If they demand any kind of payment – if they pose as a police officer, a sheriff’s deputy or a court officer and say you have to pay me with gift cards, then that’s fraud,” he said.

Ernst says scammers could also ask you to pay via cryptocurrency or payment apps on your phone.

Officials say when scammers create a sense of urgency, victims panic and fall for their tricks. This is a big red flag that you may be being scammed.

“Yes, the more pressure they apply, the more alarm bells ring,” Ernst said. “And if you’re not sure, just hang up. Say, ‘Hey, I’ll call you back.’ And call your local police or sheriff’s department.”

Investigators say no James City County police officer will ever contact you directly and ask for money.

They hope to raise awareness about scams so no one else falls victim.