Don't Let Scammers Fake a Warrant for Your Money

Henrico Police Issue Urgent Warning Over Surge in Sophisticated Scams

Authorities in Henrico County are alerting residents to a dramatic increase in fraudulent schemes designed to steal money and personal information. Detectives report that scammers are employing more convincing tactics than ever, often impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or utility company employees.

How the New Scams Operate

Unlike older, easily spotted phishing attempts, these new cons are highly personalized. A common method involves a caller claiming to be a police lieutenant or court officer. They state there is a warrant for the victim's arrest due to a missed jury duty summons or an unpaid fine. The caller then demands immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency to "resolve" the issue and avoid arrest.

Another prevalent scam involves fake utility disconnection notices. Residents receive aggressive calls or texts warning that their power will be shut off within the hour unless a payment is made through a specific link or phone number. The scammers use spoofed phone numbers that appear legitimate on caller ID.

Official Guidance to Stay Protected

Henrico police emphasize that no legitimate government agency or utility will ever demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. They urge residents to follow these critical steps:

• Hang up and verify: Terminate the call and directly contact the organization the caller claims to represent using a phone number from your bill or their official website.


• Never share personal information: Do not provide Social Security numbers, bank account details, or one-time passcodes to an unsolicited caller.


• Resist pressure tactics: Scammers create a false sense of urgency. Take your time and consult with a family member or friend before taking any action.


• Report suspicious contacts: File a report with the Henrico Police non-emergency line to help investigators track these criminal patterns.

"These criminals are experts at exploiting fear and urgency," a department spokesperson told BNN. "The single most effective defense is to pause, hang up, and independently verify the story. A real official will never pressure you into making a financial decision on the spot."

What Do You Think?

• Should telecom companies be held legally responsible for allowing caller ID spoofing, or is that an unfair burden?


• Is enough being done to educate senior citizens, who are often targeted, or are we failing the most vulnerable?


• Would you support stricter penalties that treat financial scamming of the elderly as a violent crime?


• Have you or someone you know experienced a scam that was so convincing it almost worked? What was the telltale sign?