GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Officers with the Green Bay Police Department are warning residents of the growing, and ongoing, court scams that ask victims to pay in order to avoid arrest.
A Facebook post from the Green Bay Police Department shared on Wednesday morning warns residents who may be getting calls from someone claiming they had missed a court appearance as a witness or juror.
Officers say the scam asks victims to pay via Apple Pay, PayPal, Bitcoin, or gift card to avoid arrest and have provided some tips to better look out for the ongoing scam.
Potential victims are told not to answer calls from unknown numbers, not to call suspicious numbers back, and not to share bank info or withdraw cash because of the call.
“Scammers use fear, urgency, and even real police names to sound legit,” states the GBPD’s Facebook post. “Some will give fake badge numbers or threaten you with jail to get your money.”
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It is important to remember to look up the agency’s official name and call them directly so they can confirm if it is real.
“When in doubt, slow down, verify, and never send money or personal info to someone you don’t know. Stay safe!” the post concludes.
