Full Notification

The Wilmington Police Department has received a report of a phone scam in which the caller misrepresented themselves as a member of a law enforcement agency.
 
According to the report we have received, a caller misrepresented themselves by using the name of a member of this department, alleging affiliation with the “New Castle County Sheriff’s Office” and advised the individual that they had an outstanding warrant or capias and had to pay a fine.
 
Almost identical in nature to similar scams involving partner agencies in the area, the scammer will typically invoke the name of a police officer, identify themselves as being affiliated with the “New Castle County Sheriff’s Office” or another agency, allege that an individual – or a family member – has a pending charge, and then direct them to pay a fine using a payment card or gift card purchased from a store.
 
Please note:

• A police department will never contact a member of the public to solicit funds, and fines cannot be paid over the phone
• The only way to alleviate a warrant is to appear at the agency, or at the issuing court

The New Castle County Sheriff’s Office has previously issued guidance regarding phone scams of this sort, and their release includes helpful tips: https://www.newcastlede.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19361/Public-Information-Message---Phone-Scams-7-12-17?bidId=
 
If you have received a phone call like this, please contact the Wilmington Police Department at (302) 654-5151.