You have received a warrant by email, fax, or mail saying a federal law enforcement officer or an attorney for the government wants to arrest you. Charges may be for money laundering, bank fraud, or missed jury duty. To avoid arrest, the warrant says, send money.

It’s a scam.

The warrant may display a bogus logo of an unspecified “United States District Court,” a case number, and various charges. Typically, recipients are instructed to call a number to get a “settlement” or to wire money to avoid arrest.

The warrant is phony. This is an ongoing scam that has been reported throughout the country over the past several years. A valid warrant would not be served by email, fax, or mail. It would be served in person by a U.S. Marshal or other law enforcement officer.

Anyone receiving a fake warrant should contact the FBI or the district U.S. Marshals Office. If there are any questions regarding the authenticity of a warrant, contact your district clerk of court.

Anyone demanding or obtaining money or anything of value while impersonating an officer or employee of the United States may be fined and/or imprisoned up to three years.