U.S. Marshals warn of phone scam demanding fake federal fines

The U.S. Marshals Service is warning the public about a phone scam targeting unsuspecting individuals.

Fraudulent callers have been contacting people, claiming they—or their family members—have active federal arrest warrants. The scammers then demand payment of fines via electronic transfer or cashier’s check to avoid arrest.

Officials stress that the U.S. Marshals Service does not call individuals to collect fines over the phone.

The Marshals Service urges the public not to share personal or financial information with unknown callers and to report any suspected scams. Victims can report incidents through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov .