Arrest for Failure to Appear in Court Scam
Beware of the failure to appear in court scam, a deceptive tactic used by criminals impersonating law enforcement officers. This scam preys on people’s fear of legal consequences and can be highly convincing.In a typical failure to appear in court scam, the impersonator contacts the victim via phone, email, or even in person, claiming they’ve missed a scheduled court date. The scammer then threatens immediate legal action or arrest unless the victim pays alleged “fines” or provides personal information.
Red flags of the failure to appear in court scam include:
- Intense pressure to act quickly
- Demands for immediate payment
- Instructions not to tell anyone about the call
- Use of intimidation tactics
- Claims of imminent risk of arrest
To verify if the communication is legitimate, contact your local courthouse directly using their official phone number. Never use contact information provided by the potential scammer.
If you encounter this scam:
- Remain calm and do not provide any personal or financial information
- End the communication immediately
- Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency
- Alert friends and family about the scam to prevent them from falling victim
Remember, legitimate court officials will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten instant arrest for missed court dates. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from the failure to appear in court scam.
