The Galveston Police Department would like to make the community and surrounding communities aware of a fraudulent warrant for arrest scam that has been reported multiples times in the last few days.

Several reports have indicated that unsuspecting victims are receiving phone calls from individuals who identify themselves as actual law enforcement officers from local law enforcement agencies. These individuals claim the victims have an outstanding warrant for arrest that need to be paid immediately or the victim will be arrested.

These threats are followed by requests for the victim to travel to various locations were these fines can be paid through wire transfer such as grocery stores, banks, and fueling stations. The victims are told to remain on the phone from the time of the phone call until the time of money transfer or they will be arrested. Unfortunately, some of these criminals have succeeded with these unsuspecting victims.

Here are some tips from the Galveston Police Department to assist the public with these fraudulent phone calls:
- Do not confirm any identifying information about yourself.
- Law Enforcement will not threaten you and your families with additional criminal charges.
- Law Enforcement will not ask for payment over the phone and will never ask in the form wire transfers, gift cards, or websites not affiliated with law enforcement.
- If you do not recognize the alleged criminal or civil accusation, it most likely is not true.
- Law enforcement will not demand anyone remain on the phone.
- If you receive a call that you suspect is fraudulent, do not make payments in the above mentioned ways.
- “Verify”. The Galveston Police Department strongly urges anyone to contact their respective law enforcement agencies to determine if the call was legitimate.
If you feel that you have been victimized by a similar scam, contact your local law enforcement agency.