U.S. Marshall Telephone Scams

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is alerting the public to several imposter scams  involving individuals claiming to be a U.S. Marshal. Scam callers have been known to previously identify  themselves as court officers, or other law enforcement officials. We are urging the public to report the calls not  only to their local U.S. Marshals Service office, but also to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

The FTC has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law  enforcement. Callers are using the U.S. Marshals Service to advise the public they have pending civil and/or  criminal subpoenas and perhaps other court related documents pending against them. Callers have previously  mandated payment in lieu of service of these court related documents or to avoid appearance in court. Scam  callers have often indicated the fees owed can be paid via telephone with a credit card, debit card, or even a gift  card. 

These phone scams are just that – scams. The U.S. Marshals Service in general will not place anonymous calls  stating any of the above demands. Those owing fines will always be contacted via official mail first or contacted  in person (not by phone), and those who have business with the court, whether it is a criminal or civil subpoena or  any other pending case, will be contacted in person by law enforcement professionals more than willing to  properly identify themselves with credentials showing their agency, name, title, badge number and photograph. 

During these calls, scammers will sometimes attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury  duty or other offenses. They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card, credit card,  or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the fine. 

“The U.S. Marshals would never ask for a credit/debit or gift card number or banking routing numbers or ask for  funds to be wired for any purpose, said Acting U.S. Marshal Christopher Barther. If the caller is urging you to  provide this type of information or any other personal or financial information, hang up and report the call to the  Marshals and the FTC. You can even report to both agencies anonymously.” 

Scammers use many tactics to sound credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of  actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They may also spoof their phone  numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency. 

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local U.S.  Marshals Service office at (319) 362-4411 and to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

Things to remember:

• The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or  bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose. 

• NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers. 

• Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC. • You can remain anonymous when you report. 

• Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court's office of the U.S. District Court in your area and  verify the court order given by the caller. 

The U.S. Marshals Service is the federal government’s primary agency for fugitive investigations. Nationwide, 60  local task forces are dedicated to violent crime reduction by locating and apprehending wanted criminals. These  task forces also serve as the central point for agencies to share information on fugitive matters. The Northern Iowa  Fugitive Task Force is comprised of officers from the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs  Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, Waterloo Police Department, Marion Police Department, the  Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Iowa Department of Corrections. 

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov. ### 

America’s First Federal Law Enforcement Agency