Virginia State Police says scammers impersonating troopers

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia State Police (VSP) are sounding off about a scam they say is going around the area that involves state troopers.

The scam that Virginia State Police are seeing isn’t a new one, but it is well-practiced, involving one of the oldest tricks in the book, which is impersonation.

Leaders with VSP say that the scam works when con artists call you pretending to be a trooper, with some calls including scammers saying they’re “Lieutenant Cole Jackson.” They will say that you have warrants out for your arrest for missing jury duty.

The caller will say that you can avoid being arrested and taken to jail by paying a small fee upfront on the phone with them. If you agree, the caller will move on to tell you how to make a wire transfer.

VSP says after you do that, it’s basically impossible to get your money back.

It’s important to note that law enforcement will never ask you to pay over the phone to avoid being arrested. If you or someone you know has been impacted by this scam, call Virginia State Police at 804-674-2000.

Source: ABC 8 News

What can you do? Make note of the date/time and phone number they called from. Ask their ID number, location, court jurisdiction, writ number, and superior’s name. Somewhere during the questioning, they will hang up.