For Immediate Release

Toledo, OH – The U.S. Marshals are alerting the public of a current imposter scam involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott. Scammers have been calling victims to explain they missed court dates, have outstanding warrants, or failed to appear after being served with subpoenas. No such subpoenas were ever served, and the victims were not named in any court case. The scammers even have a recording saying the caller has reached the Federal District Courts and can be connected to the U.S. Marshals. These calls may appear to come from number (419) 318-3768, but could appear as another number on a caller ID.

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 a citizen receives a potential scam phone call, the US Marshals are urging the public to call the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order. If an order does not exist, then it is likely the individual is being scammed.

“The U.S. Marshals would never ask for a credit/debit or gift card number, banking routing numbers, or ask for funds to be wired for any purpose,” said US Marshal Pete Elliott. “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. You can even report anonymously.”

Things to remember:

• U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers for any purpose.

• Do not divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.

• Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC.

• The U.S. Postal Inspectors can be reached at (877) 876-2455, Option 4, if you feel you have been a victim of this scam locally.

• 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.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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