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Don't fall for arrest scam

| July 14, 2021 1:00 AM

COEUR d'ALENE — Several Kootenai County residents have reported receiving phone calls from people claiming to be deputy sheriffs and threatening an arrest.

"During this scam, they give information that would lend credibility to the caller," a Kootenai County Sheriff's Office press release said Tuesday.

Several of these calls have reported cooperation with federal agencies.

"The scammer will make the recipient believe that they have a warrant, followed by demanding they pay large sums of money in the form of gift cards or wire transfer," the release said. "These are typically international criminals, and once sent, the money cannot be recovered."

KCSO said it will never request that you pay fines, restitution, or for warrants through the use of gift cards or wire transfers.

If you receive a similar call, contact the sheriff’s office and it will verify if there are legitimate reasons for law enforcement contact.

Do not send money in these scams.

"If you have a warrant, you can always reach out and we will pick you up," the release said.