Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – August 27, 2024 – Hardly a week goes by that we don’t write an article about a new scam, a new scheme, a new fraud. Taking advantage of local residents. Swindling residents out of their money. Using their phone. Using e-mail. Using text messages. Using the internet.

The latest? It’s the old “there’s a warrant out for your arrest” scam. Except this time the perpetrators are using what appears to be a realistic printed ORDER OF ARREST that has your name, it has what appears to be the signature (it’s FAKE) of District Judge Tommy Fowler, it is created in a way to make it appear to be authentic.

The alleged offense? Failure to appear. Yes, we’ve heard that one before. the “warrant” alleges that you failed to appear for a court appearance and now there is an order to apprehend you and take you to jail.

EXCEPT! There is a way to stay OUT of jail. And that is, of course, pay money to settle your obligation to the court! Send bitcoin. Send PayPal. Send Cash App. Send Google Pay. Send it any way you want to send it, but just send the money.

The perpetrators pray on anyone and everyone who might fall victim to their effort. It’s sad, because many who do become a victim give money they don’t have or pay funds they need. And in the end, there’s little to no recourse. Seldom does the victim get his or her money back.

Not only is the fake printed warrant being used, but perpetrators are still doing their deeds the old-fashioned way: calling on the phone. Except now the criminals can use apps and other programs to generate fake phone numbers so that it appears on caller ID as-if the call is coming from a valid law enforcement agency. Like the Jonesboro Police Department. Or Craighead County Sheriff’s Department.

Jonesboro Police Public Information Specialist Sally Smith warns anyone who is approached with any communication that suggests to you that arrest is imminent, call your local law enforcement agency. Smith says, “Immediately hang up on them and then call us. We will verify if there is a warrant in your name. We are happy to assist you so you can avoid getting scammed out of your hard-earned money.”

Smith said residents can call the Jonesboro Police customer service representatives 870-935-5657.