Chesapeake Police warn residents of scams
Scammers impersonate government or authority figures and trick people into sending money via cryptocurrency ATMs or QR codes by claiming unpaid court fines, jury duty fees, or bail for a jailed relative.
How it works
You receive a call, text, or message claiming you owe money for court fines, jury duty, or to bail out a family member. The scammer creates urgency and tells you to pay immediately using a cryptocurrency ATM or by scanning a QR code. Once you send the money, it cannot be recovered.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller or message claims you owe court fines or jury duty fees
- You are told to pay using a cryptocurrency ATM or QR code
- Pressure to pay immediately or face arrest
- They claim a family member is in jail and needs bail money
- Legitimate agencies do not ask for payment via cryptocurrency
What to do
Do not scan QR codes or visit cryptocurrency ATMs based on a call or message. Instead, hang up and contact the court or government agency directly using the phone number on its official website or a bill you received in the mail. If you are unsure whether a debt is real, ask for written documentation mailed to your address before making any payment.
If this reached you
Source: WAVY10 Norfolk . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.