Between the potential scam and unknown calls coming in daily, it’s tempting to turn your phone off or just not answer it at all. But, the moment it goes from annoying to scary is when the person on the other end of the phone claims to be a police officer with a warrant for your arrest or a process server calling about a court case against you.  

What You Need To Know

  • The Better Business Bureau has received several reports of scammers posed as process servers attempting to steal individuals’ identities

  • The BBB says they’re using scare tactics to get ahold of personal information

  • Disguised callers are going as far as threatening people with a court summons and jail time

President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Tom Bartholomy says his office has received several reports of scammers plotting to steal identities using different guises.

“The caller ID says it’s coming from the county courthouse or local sheriff’s office, and you answer the phone and [ask] what’s going on,” he said. "Then scammers say, 'there’s a lawsuit that’s been filed against you, and we want to make sure that you’re going to be available when we serve you with these papers.'"

Bartholomy says real process servers will not call you — they must serve you a court summons in-person. He added scammers are also using intimidation to get a hold of your personal information.

“Scammers learned a few years ago that fear works. If you use fear, especially in a phone call, you can get people to do things that they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” he said.

To stay out of this trap, Bartholomy recommends staying skeptical of scare tactics and do not give in to threats. And if you’re unsure of a pending court case against you, search for your name on your local court website.