A call from someone claiming to be a police officer, sheriff, or federal agent saying there's a warrant for your arrest — which you can clear by paying a fine right now — is a scam. Paste any document you got for a read.
Quick answer — No. Real law enforcement doesn't call to offer to clear a warrant for an immediate payment, and never takes gift cards or wire transfers. A 'pay now or be arrested' call is always a scam — hang up and verify with your local court or police directly.
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Why it's a scam
Law enforcement does not call to warn you about a warrant and then offer to clear it for a payment, and no agency takes gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to cancel an arrest. Real warrants are handled in person and through the courts — not over the phone with a payment app. Scammers spoof a real police number, use a stern tone and your fear of jail, and may even give a fake 'badge number' to sound legitimate.
What to do
Hang up. Don't pay or share personal details. Police never resolve warrants by phone payment. If you're genuinely worried, call your local police department or court clerk using a number you look up yourself. Report the call to the FTC and your local department's non-emergency line.
If you already paid or shared your info
Don't panic — acting quickly limits the damage. Do these now:
Paid a 'fine' by gift card, wire, or app to avoid arrest? Contact the issuer or service immediately and keep all records — courts never collect that way.
Gave your SSN or bank details? Start a plan at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze.
Report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and your local court or police non-emergency line.
If you're worried a real case exists, look up the named court yourself and call it to confirm — don't use the caller's number.
FAQ
Will the police call about a warrant for your arrest?
No. Real law enforcement doesn't call to offer to clear a warrant for an immediate payment, and never takes gift cards or wire transfers. A 'pay now or be arrested' call is always a scam — hang up and verify with your local court or police directly.
Can you pay to remove an arrest warrant over the phone?
No. Warrants are resolved through the court system in person, not by phone payment. Anyone asking you to pay a fine by gift card or wire to avoid arrest is scamming you.
Official sources
This guidance is compiled from official U.S. government sources. For your specific situation, verify directly: