IDAHO, USA — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
Idaho State Police are warning Gem State residents of a new wave of phone scams.
The scams involve callers posing as law enforcement officers using false claims of DNA test requirements and threats of arrest to coerce victims into payment, an ISP news release said.
The ISP detailed two examples of real scam calls Idahoans have received.
“In one reported case, a scammer left a voicemail claiming that the recipient needed to provide a DNA swab in response to certified mail and directed the victim to contact the ISP Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) ‘just in case,’” the release said. “The victim then received a second call stating they had missed a required DNA appointment, which had allegedly resulted in a warrant for their arrest. The scammer demanded immediate payment to ‘resolve’ the matter.”
“In another incident,” ISP said, “a caller impersonating a trooper claimed to be searching for a woman’s son, alleging he had failed to complete a mandatory DNA test, leading to a supposed warrant for his arrest. The caller then requested funds under the pretense of a bond payment.”
The ISP noted that it will never demand payment or threaten jail time over the phone, urging residents to contact ISP to verify any calls that resemble these scams. ISP also reminds residents to be wary of callers that ask for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards, or money transfer apps, as those are common red flags of fraud.
Anyone who receives a call that resembles these scams is asked to contact ISP via email at saki@isp.idaho.gov, or by calling 208-846-7582.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
