ELKHART, Ind. - The Elkhart Police Department warns the public that a warrant phone scam has returned to the area, and that their staff will never call you to request money or gift cards to have a warrant removed.

Individuals pretending to be law enforcement employees are calling individuals in the area about alleged “warrants” or fines.

Scammers are telling victims to put money on gift cards or pay scammers through apps in order to have the warrants/fines lifted or “resolved.”

Scammers can disguise their real number and make it appear on the caller ID as if they are calling from a local number or even the police department’s number, this is called “spoofing”.

Don’t fall for it. This is a reminder that neither law enforcement nor the court system will contact you by phone telling you that you have a warrant/fines and need to mail gift cards or wire money to have the warrant removed.

If you receive a call like this, hang up. If you are unsure, please call your local law enforcement agency or the Elkhart Police Department at 574-295-7070 for verification.