Scammers Demand Bitcoin Payments for Fake Arrest Warrants in Pennsylvania
North Huntingdon Township police in Pennsylvania are investigating multiple reports of a scam where callers impersonate law enforcement and demand payments via cryptocurrency for fake arrest warrants.
The scammers claim to be Allegheny County Sheriff's Deputies, telling victims they have missed a court date as witnesses for an identity theft case in federal court. They instruct the victims to withdraw funds from their accounts and deposit them into a kiosk at a location provided by the caller, then send Bitcoin wallet QR codes via text.
Police emphasize that no law enforcement agency will ever require payment for fines or warrants via cryptocurrency. Two residents reported falling victim to this scam on August 17, 2026, with two additional reports received on August 18, 2026.