Scam Alert: Fake Law Enforcement Calls Targeting Wyoming Residents

In recent weeks, WyHy has been alerted to two separate incidents where members received calls from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.

The callers told members there was either:

• A fine that needed immediate payment, or

• An active warrant for their arrest unless they pay right away.

They then instructed the members to go to Walmart to send a Western Union transfer or purchase gift cards to settle the so-called fines.

What’s Really Going On

This is a common scam tactic designed to create panic and pressure victims into sending money quickly.
Scammers often:

• Pretend to be police officers, sheriffs, or federal agents.

• Spoof phone numbers so the call appears local or official.

• Use threatening language to force immediate action.

• Ask for unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

No legitimate law enforcement agency will ever:

• Demand payment over the phone

• Request gift cards, wire transfers, or digital currency as payment

• Threaten arrest for nonpayment