U.S. Marshals Service Warns of Phone Scams - Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, OH - The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is alerting the public of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. During these calls, scammers attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other civil process issues. They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by making a payment first. Often that means withdrawing cash and transferring it to the government by depositing cash into bitcoin ATMs. Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They also spoof government phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from a government agency or the court.

The U.S. Marshals Service will never call a member of the public and demand payment to resolve a case. The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit/gift card numbers, wire transfers, bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose. Personal or financial information should never be divulged to unknown callers.

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and to the Federal Trade Commission.