We’ve seen an uptick in reports of cyber criminals impersonating law enforcement or other government agencies to scare you into paying a “fine” to avoid being arrested! This is a scam!

Just to be clear, no law enforcement, police force, or other government agency will contact you and make these demands! 

Some examples include telling you there’s a warrant for your arrest for unpaid parking fines, missed jury duty, or anything else. This is a form of social engineering using fear as the motivating factor to react and send money. 

Here are some tips to keep you safe:

• Don’t answer calls or respond to text messages or emails from numbers/senders you do not recognize
• Don’t click on links or open documents in emails or text messages/emails that you were not expecting
• Never give others your banking or other personal information 
• Never send money/bitcoin or buy gift cards 
• Report the scam immediately to the agency or organization being impersonated
• Other reporting options can be found here: How to Report Scams

If you think you’ve fallen victim to one of these scams, call your bank immediately and report it! There are also resources to help you recover!

Stay safe.

Stay CyberFlexed!