MPD: People impersonating police through phone calls, emails

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is warning the community about a scheme in which people are impersonating police during a phone call or through an email.

The scheme involves people impersonating members of MPD by duplicating government phone numbers.

The people involved in the schemes tell the victims that an arrest warrant was issued for them because they failed to appear for a court date or jury duty, according to MPD.

They then ask the victims to go to police headquarters and say they are at risk of being arrested.

The swindlers will then ask for money from the victim as an alternative to arrest. They tell the victims not to tell anyone about the call.

MPD said that recently, the people involved in the schemes have been sending emails with a photo of an MPD badge and a photoshopped MPD ID card.

Police say that if you receive a phone call or email of this nature to:

· Verify the call or email by contacting the appropriate agency directly.

· Do not share your credit card number, personal information, financial information or send money to anyone you don’t know.

· Tell your friends and family members about the scheme.

Click here to learn more information about scams like this.

Please visit the DC Courts Active Warrant List to inquire if you have an active D.C. Court arrest warrant, or contact the D.C. Courts directly at (202) 879-1010.

If you have been a victim of this scheme in D.C., reach out to the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at (202) 727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov .

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