NC officials warn of scams targeting domestic violence victims

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolina officials are warning domestic violence victims about scams in which callers pose as law enforcement officers or court officials and demand money.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said the scams have been reported in North Carolina and elsewhere in the country. His office says scammers may contact victims shortly after an arrest, court hearing or court date and use information from court or investigative records to make the call appear legitimate.

The North Carolina Department of Justice says scammers may falsely tell victims they need to pay money to post bond for an alleged abuser, have criminal charges dismissed or process a domestic violence protective order.

Other versions of the scam claim a victim must pay for electronic monitoring before an alleged abuser can be released or send money because a jail or prison is experiencing supply shortages.

“No legitimate law enforcement agency or district attorney will call you to demand money,” Jackson said. “If you get a call like that, it’s a scam. Hang up and call law enforcement.”

Officials stressed that a district attorney’s office will not dismiss criminal charges in exchange for money and there is no fee to file for a domestic violence protective order.

Victim services through Family Justice Centers and local crisis hotlines are also available at no cost, according to the Department of Justice.

State officials said it is unclear how scammers involved in reported North Carolina cases obtained victims’ information. However, they said scammers can use publicly available information from district and superior court cases, civil calendars and family court dockets to identify cases and the people involved.

Officials recommend anyone receiving a suspicious call hang up rather than provide payment or personal information. They can then contact law enforcement, a Family Justice Center or a domestic violence crisis hotline directly.

People who believe they have been targeted by a scam can also contact the North Carolina Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. NCDOJ lists consumer protection and victim-support resources among the services available through the department.