Ste. Genevieve Police Warn Residents About Warrant Phone Scam

Ste. Genevieve Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Ste. Genevieve Police Department is warning residents to remain vigilant after receiving reports of an ongoing phone scam involving fake arrest warrants.

According to the department, scammers are contacting residents by phone and falsely claiming the person has an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The callers then pressure victims into making immediate payments to avoid being arrested, fined, or taken into custody.

Police emphasize these calls are scams and remind the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not call people demanding money to avoid arrest.

The department also warns that officers will never request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment applications.

Residents who receive one of these calls are encouraged to hang up immediately, avoid providing any personal or financial information, and report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.

Anyone who is uncertain whether they have an outstanding warrant or has questions about a suspicious phone call should contact the Ste. Genevieve Police Department directly using the department's official publicly listed phone number.

Officials say remaining cautious and verifying information through official channels is the best way to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.