New Montco Scam Issues Fake Arrest Warrants, Demands Bitcoin Payment

NORRISTOWN, PA — Law enforcement in Montgomery County issued a special alert Tuesday warning of a new and convincing scam that is tricking local residents into forking over a money to dismiss bogus arrest warrants.

The email purports to be from the FDIC GOVERNMENT OFFICE WARRANT DIVISION and the subject line reads “MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF OFFICE *FALSE CLAIMS DIVISION.*”

Would-be victims are ordered in the email to put money into a Coinstar bitcoin terminal to satisfy the warrants.

“Montgomery County residents need to know that arrest warrants are never handled in this manner," DA Kevin Steele said in a statement. No money is involved if there is a warrant issued for someone’s failure to appear in court for any reason."

Such cases must be handled directly in a courtroom, and bitcoin is never accepted by the county, its courts, or police.

The emails often contain various attached documents that appear to be official, including arrest warrants from the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania and other documents with the seal of the U.S. Supreme Court.

These types of scams that prey on public trust in law enforcement have become more common in recent months, officials say.

If you receive a scam email of this sort and are concerned it is real, contact the Montgomery County Courthouse at 610-278-3000 and ask for the sheriff’s department. To report a scam, contact the Montgomery County Detective Bureau at 610-278-3368.