Park City Police warn of new phone scam

Photo: Unsplash // Maël BALLAND

'The reality is that no government entity would ever threaten you with arrest over the phone'

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City Police Department is warning locals of a new phone scam circulating throughout Summit County.

Through this scam tactic, potential victims receive a call from someone impersonating an officer with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

“We are hearing from people who say they have been contacted by the Summit County Sheriff’s Office asking for money and the person must pay to avoid arrest,” said a Facebook post from the PCPD. “Law enforcement agencies will never contact citizens and demand money.”

If you are contacted as a part of this scam, contact PCPD dispatch at 435-615-5500.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Park City Police (@parkcitypolicedepartment)

According to the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Consumer Protection, this tactic is similar to common scams perpetuated throughout the state.

“If you receive a call from someone who identifies themselves as a US Marshall or other law enforcement agent and threatens you with arrest for having missed jury duty then you are certainly dealing with a scammer,” said the Division of Consumer Protection website.

These scammers will often show fake credentials, such as a badge number, and use spoofed phone numbers to convince potential victims that they are legitimate. They tell victims that they can avoid prosecution by paying a fine.

“Payment is usually demanded on very short notice and victims are instructed to pay via gift card, reloadable credit card, or wire transfer,” said the Division of Consumer Protection website. “Scammers are well practiced at scaring their victims into sending money, but the reality is that no government entity would ever threaten you with arrest over the phone.”

Find information on other common scams in Utah here.