CASPER, Wyo. — The FBI is warning that scammers are presenting fraudulent federal warrants and asking people to pay fines to clear it up, according to a release from the agency’s regional office in Denver.
One Wyoming resident recently lost more than $10,000 after following instructions through a scam text.
In another recent case in Wyoming, the target got a copy of a fake warrant via text message saying she failed to appear as a prospective juror. A case number, date stamp, seal of the United States District Court for Wyoming and judge’s signature made the document appear legitimate.
“A federal officer will serve a federal warrant in person, or you might receive it by certified mail,” the FBI said. “You will NEVER receive a copy of a federal warrant via regular U.S. mail, and especially not via email or via text.”
The FBI reminds the public to be vigilant and never share personal identifying information with a caller whom they haven’t contacted or verified as legitimate.
“To check out someone who purports to be from the FBI, find the phone number of the local FBI field office and call that number directly. The FBI number for the Denver field office will verify any legitimate contact, [and] is 303-629-7171,” the agency said.
The same procedure can be done with any other federal law enforcement agencies.
“If you have questions about the validity of an arrest warrant, call the clerk of court for the court identified on the warrant. They can verify if the warrant is legitimate,” the release said. “Also know that no government agency at any level will ask you to pay in gift cards, gold or cryptocurrency.”
Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of this scam should report it at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov.
