UPPER NAZARETH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police in Upper Nazareth Township are warning its residents of scam callers that are impersonating police officers, demanding money to avoid arrest.
Police say that over the past several days, they have received multiple reports involving residents in the township receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be a deputy with the Northampton County Sherriff’s Office.
The caller states that the resident failed to appear for jury duty and that a warrant has been issued for their arrest, police said.
Authorities say the caller then instructs the resident to report to the Northampton County Courthouse.
During the conversation, the caller claims that the resident can avoid immediate arrest by paying a portion of their bond.
Police say the resident is directed to a Bitcoin ATM and instructed to deposit cash into an account using information provided by the caller.
Officials say this is a scam, and that the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, the courts, and law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone, nor will they require payment through Bitcoin ATMs, gift cards, wire transfers, or cash deposits to resolve warrants, jury duty issues, or court matters.
If you receive a call threatening arrest, court action, or demanding payment by Bitcoin, Apple gift cards, cash deposits, or any other unusual method, police say you should hang up immediately and not provide them any personal or financial information.