Source verification: This article is based on official public warning information published by the U.S. Marshals Service and referenced by the FBI. GonePhishing reviewed the scam tactics described and summarized the public-facing warning signs for education and scam awareness.
What this scam is
The U.S. Marshals Service and FBI have warned about nationwide imposter scams involving callers who claim to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. These scammers try to frighten victims into sending money by claiming there is an arrest warrant, legal case, identity theft investigation, missed jury duty issue, or other serious criminal matter that requires immediate action.
Victims are often told they can avoid arrest or resolve the situation quickly by sending money right away. In many cases, scammers demand payment through bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or wire transfers.
How the scammers make the call sound real
These calls are effective because scammers use fear, urgency, and convincing details. They may provide badge numbers, real names of government employees or judges, courthouse addresses, or case numbers. They may also spoof the incoming phone number so it appears on caller ID as a real government office or court.
- Spoofed government caller ID: the number may look like a real federal office or courthouse.
- Official-sounding language: they use words like warrant, investigation, compliance, case number, and arrest.
- Stolen personal details: they may read old addresses, phone numbers, or other personal information to gain trust.
- Pressure tactics: they try to keep victims on the phone so they do not stop and verify the story.
One version of the scam the Marshals described
In one recent version, a caller first pretends to be a Customs and Border Protection officer and says packages containing illegal substances were shipped from Mexico or Colombia in the victim’s name. The scammer may also claim the victim is tied to properties, financial accounts, or money transfers connected to criminal activity.
The caller then gives “identity-confirming” information, such as old residential addresses or phone numbers, to make the accusation sound legitimate. The victim may be given a fake personal ID number, case number, and warrant number and told that a state or federal investigation is underway.
A short time later, another scammer may call pretending to be a U.S. Marshal. This person often repeats the earlier details and presents two frightening choices: go through a court process and risk jail time and large fines, or complete an “alternate dispute resolution” or “financial verification” process immediately over the phone.
The payment demand is the biggest red flag
The victim is often instructed to stay on the phone, withdraw a large portion of their money, and deposit it into a personal digital wallet through a bitcoin kiosk or ATM. Some victims are told to move as much as 80% of their “physical assets” and keep receipts for later “review.” Others are told to buy prepaid debit cards, Green Dot cards, gift cards, or send funds another way.
Scammers may falsely claim the money will be held for 24 hours, verified, and then returned after the victim is cleared. They may even say a new Social Security number will be issued if identity theft is confirmed. These are manipulation tactics. Once the money is sent, it is usually gone.
Additional identity theft danger
In some cases, victims are told to send photos of their driver’s license or send QR code details from bitcoin deposit kiosks. This makes the situation even worse because the criminal is not only stealing money, but may also collect identity documents and transaction details that can be used in future fraud.
What the U.S. Marshals Service says to remember
- The U.S. Marshals Service will never ask for bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
- The U.S. Marshals Service will never ask for gift card, credit card, or debit card numbers to resolve a case.
- The U.S. Marshals Service will never ask for bank routing information over the phone to avoid arrest.
- You should never give personal or financial information to an unknown caller.
- You should independently verify any legal claim by contacting the clerk of court or agency yourself using a trusted public number.
How to respond if you get a call like this
- Hang up. Do not stay on the call just because the caller sounds official or threatening.
- Do not send money. Never use bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, prepaid cards, or wire transfers because of a threatening phone call.
- Do not send ID photos. Never text or email your driver’s license or other identity documents to an unknown caller.
- Verify independently. Look up the official court or agency number yourself and call that published number directly.
- Write down details. Save the caller number, time, payment instructions, names used, and anything else you were told.
Where to report it
If you believe you were targeted or victimized by this scam, report it to your local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. According to the official warning, reporting helps agencies detect fraud patterns and share useful information with law enforcement.
- Report scam phone calls to your local FBI office.
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- You can remain anonymous when you report.
Why this scam works so well
These scams work because they combine fear, authority, urgency, and stolen personal information. Many victims comply not because the story makes sense, but because the caller creates panic and prevents them from slowing down. A spoofed caller ID and a convincing official script can trick anyone who is caught off guard.
Verified by GonePhishing
Verified by GonePhishing: This scam alert was reviewed using official public warning material from the U.S. Marshals Service. GonePhishing uses official alerts, reporting patterns, and scam methodology review to help identify fraud tactics and educate the public on how scams work in real life.
Official source
Read the original government alert here: U.S. Marshals, FBI Urge Public: Report Phone Scams
Practice phone scam defense
Learning the red flags is the first step. Practicing how these scams work is even better. Use GonePhishing training to build confidence spotting imposter calls, spoofing tactics, pressure language, and payment fraud before a real scam reaches you or your team.
Practice Phone Scam Defense Use Scam Lookup
FAQ
Can a scammer really make caller ID show a real government number?
Yes. Caller ID spoofing can make a call appear to come from a real office or courthouse. That is why you should never trust caller ID alone and should always verify using a number you look up yourself.
Would a real U.S. Marshal ever demand bitcoin, gift cards, or prepaid cards?
No. That is one of the clearest signs of fraud. Demands for bitcoin ATM deposits, gift card numbers, prepaid debit cards, or urgent wire transfers are major scam indicators.
What should I do if the caller already knows personal information about me?
Hang up anyway. Personal information can come from data breaches, public records, or previous scams. Knowing details about you does not prove the caller is legitimate.
How should I verify a real court or law enforcement issue?
Contact the clerk of the court or agency directly using a trusted public phone number you find independently. Do not use numbers given by the caller.