Phone scam alert: Caller says you have warrant and wants a credit card or debit card to pay the fine

ASPEN, Colo. - It's a scam spreading across the country -- a person calls your home, says he or she is a deputy and you have a warrant out for your arrest.

Maybe it's for unpaid parking tickets, maybe it's for not showing up for jury duty, maybe it's for unpaid taxes, but whatever excuse you give, the Roaring Fork Sheriff's Office in Aspen said it's a scam to get your money.

The caller then explains that you can pay the "fine" with a credit or debit card. In some cases, the caller may tell you to buy a certain debit card or send the money via Western Union.

"In all of these cases, the caller is trying to steal money from the victim over the phone," deputies said.

This scam has been reported in Colorado, New Jersey, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Oregon and other states.

The Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office said it never calls people and asks the person to pay a "fine" over the phone.

Anyone who receives a call about a bench warrant for his or her arrest can call their local county courthouse and ask to verify the legitimacy of this claim.

Experts also recommend that you talk to the senior citizens in your life and remind them to never give out personal information such as credit or debit card information, bank account information or birth dates and social security card numbers over the phone or email.