Voices on other lines may sound official and documents may appear legit.
A court recently recognized a fraudster demanding payment over the phone for failing to comply with a civil execution warrant issued by law enforcement if a defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing.
Scammers posing as Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office security officers are calling Valley residents and threatening jail time for individuals who fail to pay the requested bail, Maricopa County Superior Court said. spokesman Vincent Funari said.
Scammers are offering to dismiss civil court warrants in exchange for payment over the phone via Zelle, a digital payment network that allows rapid money transfers between virtually any U.S. bank account.
A man told authorities he was asked to pay $1,450 for a civil judge’s warrant issued after he failed to appear in court as an expert witness.
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How to tell if it’s a scam
The Maricopa County Superior Court will never use Zelle to collect telephone payments for civil writs, Funari said.
“Scammers will do everything they can to claim that they are on the phone with you all the time,” says Funari. “This is a red flag.”
The court will issue a civil execution writ if you fail to appear at a court hearing only after receiving actual notice that you are required to appear. A warrant may be issued if the person personally summoned fails to do so, or for probation violations.
A due notice and subpoena will include a warning that a warrant may be issued if you do not appear, according to a court spokesperson.
Anyone with internet access can check to see if there is an arrest warrant from the Maricopa County Superior Court by visiting the court’s website. warrant information site, Provides warrant verification resources.
Additionally, Valley residents can call the Criminal Court Administration Information Desk at 602-506-8575 or the Arizona Department of Public Safety at 602-223-2233 to see if there is an arrest warrant.
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What to do if you’ve been scammed
The Maricopa County Superior Court said anyone targeted by fraud should write down the caller’s phone number immediately and avoid providing personal information.
Never agree to make payments over the phone and contact your local law enforcement as soon as possible to report fraud.
This article originally appeared in the Republic of Arizona. Scammers Posing as Officials Demand Payments from Phoenix Area Residents
