Someone is out there pretending to be the long arm of the law – and they want to get their hands on your hard-earned money.
According to the Portsmouth Police Department, scammers are posing as Columbus police officers and calling local residents with a chilling claim:
“You have a warrant out for your arrest. The bond is $500. Pay up now.”
Then comes the next part of the con: they instruct the victim to go buy a prepaid debit card and read the numbers and security code over the phone. That’s right – they want to “arrest” your wallet, not your body.
And sadly, one victim in our area already fell for it. What finally tipped them off? The scammer called back and demanded another $500.
🚔 Real Cops Don’t Do That
Let’s be clear: no legitimate law enforcement officer will ever call you and ask for money, gift cards, or prepaid debit cards. They might call to let you know about a legal matter or tell you to come to the station, but they will NEVER demand payment over the phone.
This isn’t the only scam making the rounds right now. A Portsmouth Police officer also reported getting a scam text message claiming they had an “outstanding citation” and needed to click a link to pay up—or risk a warrant and damaged credit.
“I didn’t click the link. I reported it as junk,” the officer said.
👏 Smart move.
🛑 Scioto County Daily News Has Been Warning You
Scioto County Daily News has warned readers time and time again about these exact scams. They come in all shapes and sizes:
- Fake IRS agents
- Bogus utility companies
- Scam sweepstakes wins
- “You missed jury duty” scams
- Romance cons
- Phony tech support calls
They all have one thing in common: they want your money fast and without questions.
💡 How These Scams Work
Here’s the scammer playbook:
- Create panic – Say there’s a warrant, lawsuit, missed payment, or hacked account.
- Demand urgent action – Pay now or face immediate consequences.
- Avoid traceable methods – Ask for prepaid cards, crypto, wire transfers, or suspicious links.
- Pressure, pressure, pressure – Don’t give you time to think.
🧠 How to Outsmart the Scammers
- Never pay someone over the phone with gift cards or prepaid debit cards. No legitimate company or government agency accepts payment this way.
- Don’t click on links in sketchy texts or emails. Even if it looks official. Go to the organization’s real website yourself.
- Hang up and verify. Call the agency or company directly using the number on their official website.
- Report it. Let your local police department know, and file a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
📢 Spread the Word
Tell your friends. Share this story. Print it and put it on the fridge. These scammers are counting on people being too scared or confused to stop and think. Don’t let them win.
Stay alert, Scioto County — and stay with Scioto County Daily News, your trusted Appalachian crime source,