There’s a scammer on the loose.
On July 5, the Des Moines Police Department received multiple reports of an individual claiming to be a police officer, telling locals there’s a warrant for their arrest for missing jury duty, according to a news release.
“We don’t know if you missed jury duty, and DMPD wouldn’t call you if you did. We will never call you and demand cash payment for a warrant, citation, etc.,” the release said.
These types of scam calls have been going on for more than a decade, police said. Calls and scam text messages have been reported several times in the past from all around the Des Moines metro area.
“The scammers are working hard to trick you…they are calling from a 515 area code today. If you receive one of these calls, hang up right away,” the police release said.
There are several clues to look for when assessing a potential scammer:
The Des Moines Police Department said detectives were investigating the recent incidents.
Anyone who has been scammed should call 515-283-4811 to file a report with a “real police officer,” Des Moines Police said.
Chris Meglio is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at cmeglio@gannett.com or on X @chris_meglio.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Scammers are trying to trick Des Moines locals into sending money, police say
Reporting by Chris Meglio, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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