Fake Law-Enforcement 'Pay the Fine or Be Arrested'
A caller posing as police, the FBI, or a court demands immediate payment of a 'fine' to avoid arrest — sometimes citing missed jury duty, a crime, or an unpaid ticket.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Someone claiming to be law enforcement or a court official tells you there's a warrant or a fine and you must pay immediately — by gift card, wire, or crypto — to avoid arrest. They may spoof a real agency's number and cite a specific pretext (a crime linked to your identity, a missed court date, an unpaid fine). Real police and courts do not collect fines by phone or gift card, do not threaten immediate arrest for payment, and do not demand secrecy. Fear is the entire mechanism.
What it usually looks like
- A caller with a badge number and agency name demanding payment.
- A threat of immediate arrest without payment.
- Payment by gift card, wire, or crypto.
- Spoofed caller ID and demands for secrecy.
Common warning signs
- Law enforcement demanding payment to avoid arrest.
- Gift-card, wire, or crypto 'fines.'
- Pressure not to hang up or tell anyone.
- Urgency and fear.
Example wording scammers use
“This is Officer Reyes, badge 4471. There's a warrant for your arrest — pay the $900 fine now by gift card to resolve it.”
“Stay on the line or officers will be dispatched to your home.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- An immediate untraceable payment.
- To keep you scared and on the line.
- To exploit authority and fear.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Hang up; police and courts never collect fines by phone or gift card.
- Call the real agency using a number you look up yourself.
- Never pay to 'avoid arrest,' and don't keep it secret.
- Report the call.
What to do if you already responded
- If you are overwhelmed or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) — it is free, 24/7, and confidential.
- Contact gift-card/wire/crypto providers immediately.
- Report to your local police and ic3.gov.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.