The FBI is warning Wyoming residents to be on alert for scammers impersonating federal officials and issuing fraudulent federal warrants in an attempt to steal money.
According to the FBI’s Denver field office, at least one Wyoming resident recently lost more than $10,000 after following instructions sent through a scam text message.
In a recent case, a Wyoming resident received a fake warrant via text message, claiming she was in trouble for failing to appear as a prospective juror. The fraudulent document appeared convincing, displaying a case number, date stamp, the seal of the US District Court for Wyoming, and a judge’s signature.
However, the FBI stresses that legitimate federal warrants are never sent via text, email, or standard US mail. Instead, they are served in person by a federal officer or sent through certified mail.
The FBI is urging the public to be vigilant and to never share personal identifying information with unknown callers, emails, or texts. If someone claims to be a federal agent, the agency advises:
- Verify their identity by calling your local FBI field office directly. Wyoming residents can contact the FBI Denver office at (303) 629-7171.
- Check with the court listed on the warrant by calling the clerk of court to confirm its authenticity.
- Be aware of payment scams—no government agency will ever ask for payment via gift cards, gold, or cryptocurrency.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or has lost money to this scam should report it to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.
With input from Oil City News and Wyoming Tribune Eagle.
