Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents of a scam that involves someone threatening arrest by the "sheriff's office."

Scammers call from a spoofed phone number, so it appears to be from a legitimate government agency.

They demand money so the target can avoid being arrested.

“Scammers will do anything to take advantage of hardworking Pennsylvanians, including scaring their targets into making payments,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Be aware that a sheriff or sheriff's deputy will not call you offering a ‘second chance’ from being arrested. I appreciate Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran, who first reached out to me about this issue, and his fellow sheriffs proactively educating Pennsylvanians about this scheme.”

In most cases, the scammer will tell the target that a sheriff deputy is coming to arrest them. 

If you receive a call, the attorney general's office recommends asking the caller to identify themselves by providing their badge number, the law enforcement agency they work for, and the phone number of their office.

Those who believe they are the victims of a government imposter scam can file a complaint here.