Threatened With Arrest Online? How to Recognize a Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam

Scammers are increasingly impersonating law enforcement officers online, threatening victims with arrest unless they pay a fine or hand over personal information. These fraudsters often spoof official phone numbers, use fake badges and forged documents, and pressure targets into urgent action. Common red flags include demands for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency such as BTC or ETH, as well as requests to stay on the line or keep the matter secret. Legitimate police never demand immediate payment to avoid arrest. To protect yourself, verify the caller's identity through official channels, never share sensitive data, and report suspicious contacts to local authorities. Staying informed is the best defense against these impersonation scams.