In a recent social media post, the Arlington Police Department cautioned the local population about a malicious scam making the rounds—one where fraudsters are impersonating APD officials and strong-arming residents with the threat of arrest unless a payment is made to "clear an outstanding warrant."
It's a classic con with a modern twist: the swindlers phone their potential victims and, feigning authority, claim an urgent need to resolve supposed legal discrepancies with the immediacy that only hard currency or, tellingly, untraceable assets like gift cards or cryptocurrency, can satisfy. Caught up in the moment of a phony call, citizens are often persuaded to comply, as the Arlington Police Department pointed out, but APD has unequivocally stated that they "will NEVER contact members of the public to demand payment."
For those who are uncertain about the legitimacy of a niggling call or a nebulous claim that appears to be from an APD employee, the police department advocates making direct contact to clarify. To clear the air on any warrants that may or may not exist, they encourage individuals to call (817) 459-5748 for verification, per the guidance in the Facebook communication.
