Police warn of bench warrant scam

Newport Beach police are warning residents about a scam phone call that threatens victims with arrest if they don’t pay up.

Someone claiming to be a Newport Beach Police Department employee has been calling residents and telling them that there are bench warrants out for them because of missed court dates or ignored jury duty summonses.

According to a news release from Newport police, the scammer will tell victims they have to pay a fee to avoid arrest.

Some victims have received multiple calls including a phone number to call for more information.

“The Newport Beach Police Department would never actually initiate this type of phone call to a member of the community, or arrange for payment of funds to avoid arrest,” the news release stated.

Police ask that any victims of this scam call Newport police at (949) 644-3717.

That phone number can also be used to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a NBPD employee, police said.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck