Fake Police Extortion Scam: How It Works, Warning Signs & What To Do
Callers or messages pretend to be police and demand money or a compromising video.
In this scam, someone claims to be a police officer, a detective, or part of a predator investigation. They say you are in trouble, a relative is in trouble, or your name came up in a case. Then they demand payment, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a video call. This page is general safety guidance. It does not describe a specific case.
What to do if targeted
- 1Hang up. Do not stay on the line
- 2Call the police department using the number on its official website, not a number the caller gave you
- 3Do not pay, and do not go back to a video call
- 4If a recording is being used to threaten you, stop contact and report it. Do not send more images
- 5Report to FBI IC3 at https://www.ic3.gov
- 6Report to FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov
Questions
Can the police demand gift cards or crypto to clear a warrant?
No. Hang up and call the agency yourself using a number you look up. A demand for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is a sign the caller is not the police.
The caller knew my name and address. Does that make it real?
No. Names and addresses are widely available. Use that as a reason to verify independently, not as a reason to pay.
What if they already have an embarrassing recording?
Do not pay and do not send more video. Paying does not guarantee the recording is deleted. Report the threat to the FBI IC3 and to local police using a number you look up yourself.