The Gwinnett Police Department wants residents to beware of a phone scam.

A Lilburn resident reported being contacted by someone claiming to be an agent with the Gwinnett Sheriff’s Office. The caller told the resident there was a bench warrant for his arrest and must pay $9,000 to clear the warrant from his record.

The victim wire transferred Bitcoin to the scammer and lost his money. 

The caller continued to request more money from the victim and claimed to be a chief with Gwinnett Police during one of the phone calls.

The police department warns that some scammers will program their phones so their  number shows up on caller ID as a police department or another agency. In this case, the phone number showed as Gwinnett Police.

Gwinnett Police suggests the following tips to prevent falling victim to phone scams:

• Be suspicious of anyone calling and demanding immediate payment, especially by cash, via FedEx, or other couriers, including:
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Gift cards
  • Prepaid debit card
  • Wire transfer
• Ask for the caller’s identity and contact the agency independently. Do not call the number that appears on your caller ID.
• Never disclose personal or financial information to unsolicited callers or by email.
• Never wire money or provide bank account numbers or financial transaction card numbers to anyone you do not know.

If you believe you are the victim of a phone scam, call the Gwinnett County Police Department at 770.513.5700. For more information about phone scams, visit GwinnettSafety411.com.