Nevada Residents Warned of High-Pressure ‘Fake Warrant’ Phone Scams

Las Vegas, NV – The U.S. Marshals Service District of Nevada is warning the community of an increase in scam calls from criminal scammers claiming to be Deputy U.S. Marshals, demanding payment often in cryptocurrency or gift cards—to resolve fake warrants, missed jury duty, or missed subpoenas.  The fraudsters impersonate federal officers to try and scare people into making hasty decisions, such as providing payment information over the phone. The swindlers may claim you or a loved one has a pending civil or criminal subpoena.  

The U.S. Marshals will never request payment over the phone, credit/debit/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.  

To protect yourself, never share any information of any kind over the phone, do not provide identifying information about yourself.  

Just hang up.  To avoid falling victim to these high-pressure tactics, officials advise the public to immediately hang up and never provide financial information over the phone. No legitimate law enforcement agency will initiate contact with the public via a phone call informing them of an impending arrest warrant.

Seniors who may be victims can also get direct case management help by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).

Were you contacted by someone pretending to be a U.S. marshal? Report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

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 FBI office and to the Federal Trade Commission.
• 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.