Police Impersonation, Crypto Scams Surge Nationwide

Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. are warning about a surge in sophisticated phone scams where callers impersonate police officers or sheriff's deputies, claiming victims have outstanding warrants or missed jury duty and demanding immediate payment—often via cryptocurrency, gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers—to avoid arrest. Scammers use caller ID spoofing and fake documents to appear legitimate, pressuring victims with aggressive tactics and fabricated threats, leading to significant financial losses, including a case where a victim lost over $68,000. Affected regions now include Contra Costa County, Guilford County, Bucks County, Yolo County, Calcasieu Parish, Norfolk County, and Charleston. Authorities urge the public never to provide personal or financial information over the phone, as legitimate law enforcement will never request payments or sensitive data in this manner. Similar strategies are being used in the crypto sector, with phishing and social engineering scams causing over $5.2 million in losses in April 2025, often involving AI-generated messages. Officials emphasize the importance of vigilance and public education to help prevent further scams.