PHOENIX — A new scam is trending in Silicon Valley. If someone calls you and claims you owe a security deposit and he has to pay Zelle, it’s probably a scam. Maricopa County Superior Court said in a release from Arizona Judiciary Branch.
They were informed that the crooks were impersonating Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office officials and were threatening to go to jail if they didn’t pay the “demanded security deposit.”
The crooks then demand payment over the phone through Zelle, promising to void the “Civil Service Writ.”
A civil writ is permission for the police to arrest a person who has failed to appear at a previously ordered court hearing. It may sound intimidating, but don’t be fooled.court isn’t it To revoke such a warrant, use Zelle or call for payment, officials said.
They explained that courts generally only issue civil arrest warrants after a person has received actual notice or an order to appear in court, or after a subpoena has been served. warrant.
One caller was reportedly asked to pay $1,450 for “not appearing as an expert witness.”
what to do?
If you receive a suspicious phone call from someone claiming to belong to the MCSO, the court said some of the following steps can be taken.
- Write down the caller’s phone number and notify local law enforcement.
- Do not provide any personal information to the caller or agree to pay.
- Look for red flags. Courts never ask for money over the phone.
- If in doubt, contact Maricopa County Superior Court to verify your status. If you believe you have a warrant, please visit https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/criminal/warrant-information/.
