Digital Arrest Scams: Don't Let Fear Rush You Into Paying

Imagine receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or federal agent. The caller tells you there's a warrant for your arrest and that officers are on their way unless you pay immediately. Then they send you a message of what appears to be an official warrant or even start a video call with someone dressed in a law enforcement uniform.

It sounds scary and very convincing, but it's all part of a growing fraud tactic known as a Digital Arrest Scam.

These scams rely on fear, urgency, and increasingly sophisticated technology, including AI-generated videos and fake documents, to convince victims they're in serious legal trouble.

What to Look Out For 

1. Unexpected Calls Claiming You're Under Investigation: Scammers may claim they're from the FBI, local police, the sheriff's office, or another government agency. They'll accuse you of crimes like identity theft, money laundering, or missing jury duty. Their goal is to make you panic before you have time to think.
2. They Claim There Is a Serious Problem: Scammers may say you missed jury duty, are connected to criminal activity, owe money, or are under investigation. The message is designed to make the situation feel urgent and frightening so you react emotionally instead of carefully thinking through the situation.
3. AI-Generated Video Calls: Some scammers use AI technology to create convincing video calls featuring someone dressed as a police officer or government official. While the person may look real, the video is designed to gain your trust and pressure you into complying.
4. Demands for Immediate Payment: Once they've convinced you there's a legal problem, scammers will insist you can avoid arrest by paying immediately. They often request wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or payment apps because these methods are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.
5. Pressure to Stay on the Phone: In many Digital Arrest scams, victims are instructed not to hang up or speak with anyone else. Scammers may remain on the phone for hours, convincing victims they're being monitored or that discussing the situation with others could make things worse.

How to Protect Yourself 

1. Know That Law Enforcement Doesn't Collect Payments: Police officers, federal agencies, and courts will never call demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. They will never ask you to pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
2. Pause Before Taking Action: Scammers want you to react emotionally. If you receive a threatening call, hang up and contact the agency directly using a phone number from its official website and not one provided by the caller.
3. Don't Trust Caller ID or Video Alone: Phone numbers can be spoofed, and AI-generated videos can appear convincing. Even if the caller looks or sounds official, verify their identity independently before taking any action.
4. Never Keep It a Secret: Scammers often tell victims not to tell family members or their financial institution. If someone asks you to keep a financial emergency secret, that's a major red flag. Talk to someone you trust before sending money.
5. Report Suspicious Activity Immediately: If you think you've been targeted, contact your financial institution as soon as possible. Acting quickly may help prevent additional losses.

Scammers continue to regularly change their tactics, but one thing remains the same: they rely on fear to cloud your judgment. Remember, legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand payment over the phone or threaten immediate arrest if you don't pay. Taking a moment to pause, verify, and ask questions can make all the difference.

If you think you may have inadvertently shared your personal information with a scammer, please reach out to us right away. You can call us at (805) 733-7600, visit your nearest branch, send a secure message through mobile or online banking, or use the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card.