WASHINGTON, D.C. – Scammers posing as DC police officers are threatening residents with arrest unless they pay bogus fines, prompting the Metropolitan Police Department to issue a warning about an increasingly convincing phone scam.
The callers are using real government phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate, according to MPD. Victims are told they owe an outstanding fine and may be instructed to download apps, verify personal information or surrender credit card details to settle it.
Police said the scammers often raise the stakes by threatening arrest when a target refuses to comply. MPD stressed that the department will never solicit money, banking information or Social Security numbers from members of the public.
Key Points
- Scammers are impersonating MPD officers and using real government phone numbers to make calls appear legitimate.
- Targets may be threatened with arrest and told to provide credit card or personal information to pay a supposed fine.
- MPD says it will never demand money by phone or solicit banking information or Social Security numbers.
Fake Police Calls Come With Threats of Arrest
The scam is designed to create urgency and fear, with callers claiming their targets have outstanding fines that must be paid.
Scammers may already possess publicly available information such as a person’s name and address, MPD warned. Having those details does not mean the caller is actually connected to law enforcement.
The department urged anyone receiving such a call not to give in to pressure. Residents should independently contact the agency the caller claims to represent using contact information from an official government website.
“MPD will never demand payment by phone,” the department warned.
Residents should not provide credit card numbers or other financial and personal information to unsolicited callers. Police also cautioned against wiring or transferring money to people they do not know.
What DC Residents Should Do After a Scam Call
Anyone concerned that they might actually have an outstanding DC Court arrest warrant can check the DC Courts Active Warrant List or contact DC Courts directly at 202-879-1010.
Questions involving jury summonses can be directed to the DC Court Juror Office at 202-879-4604 or jurorhelp@dcsc.gov.
MPD also encouraged residents to warn relatives and friends about the impersonation scheme. Sharing information about the scam can help prevent another person from becoming a victim.
Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to the scam in the District of Columbia should contact MPD’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.
Will MPD call and demand payment for an outstanding fine?
No. MPD says it will never demand payment by phone or solicit monetary funds, banking information or Social Security numbers.
Why can a scam call appear to come from a real government number?
MPD warns that scammers are using real government phone numbers when impersonating officers, making the incoming call appear more convincing.
What should I do if I gave a scammer money or personal information?
DC residents who believe they were victimized should contact MPD’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at 202-727-4159 or mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.
Sources: Metropolitan Police Department scam alert issued Sept. 1, 2026.
