The Gwinnett County Police Department warns residents of scammers impersonating officers and demanding money.
The scammers reportedly use real or fake names and badge numbers to trick victims and threaten consequences if money is not paid to them.
GCPD said variations of the scam include:
• A utility or service will be immediately terminated if payment isn’t received.
• A relative has been arrested and needs money for bail or to remove a charge, or there is an outstanding warrant or ticket.
• Missed jury duty, resulting in possible criminal charges.
• A pre-approved loan is available, or a lottery has been won, if the victim sends a small start-up fee.
• An immigration authority is claiming a person will be deported if payment isn’t received.
GCPD stated that it will never request payment over the phone. Anyone who receives one of these calls should immediately hang up and report the call to the non-emergency number at (770) 513-5700.
