Utica Police Warn Residents of Phone Scam Involving Fake Warrants and Gift Card Payments

Residents in the Utica area are being warned about a disturbing phone scam in which callers are impersonating members of the Utica Police Department and attempting to convince unsuspecting victims that they have outstanding arrest warrants.

According to the Utica Police Department, at least three victims have come forward reporting that they were contacted by someone claiming to be an investigator with the department. The callers allegedly told the individuals they had outstanding warrants and would need to make a monetary payment using gift cards to clear them.

Police want the public to understand one important thing: This is a scam, and the Utica Police Department will never ask someone to pay off an outstanding warrant over the phone using gift cards or any other form of direct payment.

The department emphasizes that fines, court fees, and other legal dispositions are handled through the appropriate court systems, not directly through the police department.

Scammers often rely on fear, urgency, and intimidation to pressure people into making quick decisions before they have time to question whether the call is legitimate. By pretending to represent law enforcement, these individuals attempt to make their demands sound official and convince victims that immediate payment is necessary to avoid legal consequences.

Residents who receive one of these suspicious calls should avoid providing money, gift card information, or personal details to the caller. Anyone who believes they have been targeted or may have fallen victim to this scam is encouraged to contact the Utica Police Department directly.

The department has stated that officers can be sent to speak with individuals who report receiving these calls.

The message from police is simple: An outstanding warrant cannot be cleared by purchasing gift cards over the phone. When it comes to unexpected calls demanding immediate payment, take a moment to stop, verify the information, and contact law enforcement directly.

A phone call may sound convincing, but that doesn't mean the person on the other end is who they claim to be.