Newport Cops Warn of Bench Warrant Scam

The Newport Beach Police Department has issued a “Scam Alert” about a recent rash of phone calls residents are getting from someone claiming to have a bench warrant out for the arrest of the person who picked up the phone.

Saying he is a Newport Beach police employee, the caller warns a fee must be paid immediately to settle having missed a court appearance or jury duty summons.

Not true, warn the coppers: “The suspect may call victims several times, inciting them to pay the amount specified, and may leave a phone number for victims to call back for further information.”

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The Scam Alert continues, “The Newport Beach Police Department would never actually initiate this type of phone call to a member of the community, or arrange for payment of funds to avoid arrest.”

Anyone who has been the victim of this type of scam should contact the Newport Beach Police Department at 949.644.3717.

The department also advises calling that number if anyone else contacts you claiming to be from Newport Beach Police with a story that sounds fraudulent. A real representative can verify if the caller is legit.

Email: mc****@oc******.com. Twitter: @MatthewTCoker. Follow OC Weekly on Twitter @ocweekly or on Facebook!

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