ALERT: BOND SCAM CALLS, OFFICER IMPERSONATION

PORTSMOUTH, VA — We have been made aware that an unknown individual is pretending to be a Portsmouth Police Department Sergeant and is contacting citizens about paying bond money to him. The scammer is contacting citizens via phone call and telling them that they have a Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear in Court for a civil case. And that they have to pay $740 for a Surety Bond or they will be arrested. We are aware that the scammer has contacted citizens using the following phone numbers: (757)-280–9714, (740)-353–4101. To be clear, the scammer is not a Portsmouth Police Sergeant. You do not need to contact or provide bond money to any Sergeant at the Portsmouth Police Department. If you are contacted by someone saying they are a Portsmouth Police Employee and that you have to pay them money or you will be arrested, do not provide them with any personal or financial information. It is a scam. Hang-up and report the phone call to us by texting 9-1-1 or calling our non-emergency number (757)-393–5300.