Telephone Scams Using U.S. Marshal’s Name

Fort Smith, AR – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is alerting the public to several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be specifically the current U.S. Marshal, which is Gary Grimes (or the U.S. Marshals Service in general).  Scam callers have been known to previously identify themselves as court officers, or other law enforcement officials. We are urging the public to report the calls not only to their local U.S. Marshals Service office, but also to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

The FTC has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.  “These are not victimless crimes,” said Gary Grimes, U. S. Marshal.  Callers are using the name Gary Grimes or the U.S. Marshals Service to advise the public they have pending civil and/or criminal subpoenas and perhaps other court related documents pending against them.  Callers have previously mandated payment in lieu of service of these court related documents or to avoid appearance in court.  Scam callers have often indicated the fees owed can be paid via telephone with a credit card, debit card, or even a gift card.

These phone scams are just that – scams.  The U.S. Marshal, Gary Grimes, nor the U.S. Marshals Service in general will not place anonymous calls stating any of the above demands.  Those owing fines will always be contacted via official mail first or contacted in person (not by phone), and those who have business with the court, whether it is a criminal or civil subpoena or any other pending case, will be contacted in person by law enforcement professionals more than willing to properly identify themselves with credentials showing their agency, name, title, badge number and photograph.

During these calls, scammers will sometimes attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty or other offenses. They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card, credit card, or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the fine.

“The U.S. Marshals would never ask for a credit/debit or gift card number or banking routing numbers or ask for funds to be wired for any purpose, said Grimes.  If the caller is urging you to provide this type of information or any other personal or financial information, hang up and report the call to the Marshals and the FTC. You can even report to both agencies anonymously.”

Scammers use many tactics to sound credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency.

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Things to remember:

• The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
• NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
• Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC.
• You can remain anonymous when you report.
• Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court's office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.