The U.S. Marshals Service has warned against fraudulent individuals who pretend to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement personnel.
To appear legitimate, the scammers employ tactics such as providing badge numbers, names of actual officials and judges, and courthouse addresses. They also spoof government phone numbers to make it seem like they call from official agencies or courts.
Scammers demand payment to avoid arrest for identity theft or missing jury duty, instructing victims to deposit cash into Bitcoin ATMs.
“The U.S. Marshals Service will never call a member of the public and demand payment to resolve a case,” the agency said in a press release. “The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit/gift card numbers, wire transfers, bank routing numbers, or to make Bitcoin deposits for any purpose. Personal or financial information should never be divulged to unknown callers.”
Individuals who suspect they have been scammed are encouraged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission and their local law enforcement agency.
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