Quick thinking—and a healthy dose of skepticism—saved a Portsmouth woman from becoming the latest victim of a growing phone scam that preys on fear and urgency.
Just after 7 p.m., the woman walked into the Portsmouth Fire Department lobby while still on the phone with a caller impersonating a law enforcement officer. The person on the line claimed she had an active warrant and demanded $1,000 to “take care of it.”
Instead of paying, the woman did exactly the right thing: she sought help in person.
Fire department personnel quickly recognized the call as a scam. The woman did not send any money, and no police report was needed.
How the “Fake Cop” Scam Works
This type of scam has become increasingly common across the country. Scammers pose as police officers, deputies, or court officials and use intimidation to pressure victims into paying money quickly.
Common red flags include:
- Claims of an immediate arrest warrant
- Demands for payment over the phone
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or digital payments
- Pressure to act right now or be arrested
- Caller ID that may look legitimate but is spoofed
Real law enforcement agencies do not call to demand money to clear warrants.
What to Do If You Get a Call Like This
Authorities recommend:
- Hang up immediately
- Do not send money or personal information
- Contact your local police department directly using a published phone number
- Go to a police or fire station in person, just as this woman did
If you’re unsure, bringing the call to a public safety building can instantly confirm whether it’s real or fake.
A Close Call With a Good Outcome
While no report was required in this case, the incident serves as a reminder to stay alert—especially for seniors and anyone unfamiliar with how warrants and courts actually work.
When in doubt, do what this woman did: step out of fear, seek help face-to-face, and don’t let scammers talk you into paying your way out of a problem that doesn’t exist.
