BELLINGAM, Wash. — People are posing as U.S. Marshals in the latest phone scam.
The U.S. Marshals in the Western District of Washington say callers are spoofing the district office’s real phone number to trick people into sending them money.
Scammers are attempting to collect a “fine” in lieu of arrest, telling people who answer the phone they failed to report for jury duty or committed another offense.
Then, they tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card such as a Green Dot card or gift card and read the number over the phone.
Victims are urged to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.