It can be nerve-wracking getting a phone call that says “you’re in trouble” and scammers know it.

The sheriff’s office in Alexandria, Virginia, said more and more people are unwittingly handing over their money to crooks.

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In recent months, scams involving criminals pretending to be members of law enforcement are increasing, locally and nationally, according to the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.

“Scams have variations but generally the caller will identify themself as a law enforcement officer and tell the victim, falsely, that a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, did not show up f

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