YCSO warns again about ‘impending arrest’ scam

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office has received calls from residents about a phone scam in which the criminal caller warns of their impending arrest unless payment is made immediately, and would like to take the opportunity remind the community that it is a phishing scam to extort money.

Spokesman Alfonzo Zavala explained that the suspect has been identifying themselves as a Yuma County Sheriff’s Office employee by the name of “Mark Martinez,” and is calling residents, advising them that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

The victim is then offered a choice to either pay off the warrant or have an officer sent over to arrest them. The fraudsters will typically demand that the money be paid by money transfer or by loading a prepaid card.

“They have been known to use actual names of local officers and judges in the scam to make it seem legitimate,” Zavala said.

Also, these scammers often use “spoofed” numbers, making it appear that they are calling from your local sheriff’s office or jail.

Zavala said what residents need to know is that you will never receive a phone call that tells you there’s a warrant issued for your arrest. Those matters are handled via paper documentation, typically served in person by a uniformed officer.

Below is a list of scams that have been reported in Yuma County in the past.

Grandparent scam: You get a phone call from someone posing as a grandchild who is supposedly out of town and in a desperate situation. They could claim to be locked in jail, have had a car accident or are in need of medical treatment. They’ll want money wired to them.

APS scam: Criminals masquerading as APS employees call customers demanding immediate payment of their electric bill under the threat of having their power turned off. Potential victims are instructed to purchase prepaid cards in a specific amount, and then call a special number to make the payment. APS never requires payment via a prepaid card.

Lottery scam: While the other scams prey on fear and concern, this one aims to convince you that you’ve won money in a foreign lottery. Never mind that you can’t recall ever entering one. The call will come from someone who sounds official. They’ll ask for a payment up-front for supposed taxes and fees so you can collect your winnings.

IRS scam: This scam takes advantage of most Americans’ inherent fear of the Internal Revenue Service. The phone call claims to be from the police or an IRS agent who is demanding payment for overdue taxes. If they’re not settled immediately, the call claims, you’ll be arrested. They’ll want the money either wired or put on prepaid card.

If you believe you have been a victim, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.