Full Notification

Community Alert: Phone Scam Impersonating Law Enforcement

The Janesville Police Department wants to inform the community about a recent uptick in scam phone calls targeting residents. These scammers are using caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate law enforcement number, including the Janesville Police Department's.
 
Victims report being told they have a warrant for their arrest for failing to appear for jury duty or unpaid traffic tickets. The caller then pressures the victim to "resolve" the matter immediately by making a payment using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or by leaving cash at a designated location.
 
Please be advised: This is a scam.
The Janesville Police Department will never:

• Call, text, or email you to demand payment for a warrant or unpaid ticket.
• Ask for or accept payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or prearranged cash drops.
• Threaten arrest over the phone if payment is not made immediately.

 
If you receive one of these suspicious calls:

• Do not share any personal or financial information.
• Hang up immediately.
• Report the call to the Rock County Communications Center at 608-757-2244. 

 
Stay vigilant to avoid falling victim to this scam.  For additional information on common scams, please follow the below link from the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice. 
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-scam
 
 

Incident Number: N/A

Location: N/A

By: Sgt. Benjamin Thompson

Date: 4/15/2025

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3:6 Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.