Telephone Scammers Targeting Idahoans

If you get a random phone call from someone claiming to be a Deputy U.S. Marshall, it may behoove you to just hang up your phone.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho says scammers are calling random Idahoans and threatening them residents with a fake federal arrest warrant.

The scam goes something like this:

You have reached the U.S. Marshals Service serving the Northern District of Idaho. If
this is an emergency, hang up and dial 911. If you have information regarding the
whereabouts of an absconded fugitive please remain on the line for the next available
deputy. For all other inquiries please listen closely because our menu options have
recently changed. For warrants division, press
1; for civil processing, press
2; for gang enforcement, press
3; for the officer in charge, press
4; for clerk of courts...

Once connected to a person, individuals are given the choice to avoid a federal arrest warrant by paying a fine to settle out of court. The individual may be instructed to purchase a prepaid Visa or MasterCard, and to provide the number on the back of the card to the caller.

If you ever receive such a call, contact the U.S. Marshals immediately. You can call them at 208-478-4186.

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