The scam used credible looking fake arrest warrants by email, claiming to be from Bucks County Sheriff’s Office.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Sherrif Jack Kemler is reporting that a new scam is circulating across the Delaware River in nearby Bucks County. Local news services are reporting that scammers are reaching out to potential victims by sending fake arrest warrants by email, claiming to be from the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office. This scam is unique because the communications contain credible-looking warrants with the court’s seal, the judge’s name, and markings that the document comes from the Sheriff’s Office. When calling potential victims by telephone, the scammers are spoofing Judiciary or the Sheriff’s Office phone numbers and using the names of staff members to add to the appearance of credibility.
Of course, they ask for money to make it all go away with high-pressure tactics, the threat of arrest without immediate payment via pre-paid cards or online payment services like Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, etc.
“It is only a matter of time before it happens here, and I can confidently state that the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will never call or email anyone and ask for money related to a court warrant,” said Sheriff Kemler.
“Unfortunately, it is difficult to crack down on these tech-savvy scammers because emails and calls are often generated from out-of-state or foreign locations,” noted Kemler.
“While the matter remains under investigation by our friends in Pennsylvania law enforcement, the best advice now is to exercise common sense. Do not hit reply if you suspect an email might be a scam. If it is by phone, hang up,” Kemler added.
Anyone receiving a similar email or call should report the incident to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at 609-989-6111.
Mercer County Sheriff’s Office Photo