FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
January 23, 2017
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Alabama Attorney General
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AG STRANGE WARNS OF FAKE CALLS CLAIMING
TO BE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange warns of a recurring scam in
Alabama that has arisen again, involving callers who falsely claim to be from the Attorney
General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office received five calls today from people who
received messages purporting to be from the Attorney General’s Office and saying that a
legal matter must be resolved immediately. In the past, scammers said they were attempting
to collect a debt and threatened arrest if a bill was not paid.
This scam is very similar to others reported in Alabama in which callers posing as law
enforcement have demanded payment for either an unpaid bill or to avoid arrest for missed
jury duty. The scammer then reassures the victim the whole matter can be settled without
the victim being arrested if the victim will just agree to purchase a pre-paid credit card and
pay the bond over the phone. Victims have sometimes been instructed to go to a specific
retail store to obtain such a card.
Attorney General Strange cautions, “Please know that any call you may receive from
the Attorney General’s Office attempting to collect money is a scam. Furthermore, debt
collectors cannot arrest you. If, for any reason, law enforcement or the courts have an issue
with you, you would usually be notified in writing and be ordered to contact the clerk’s
office, either in person or by telephone. Impersonating a law enforcement officer and
misrepresenting the judicial process to frighten and trick people out of money is a serious
crime, and we hope anyone who receives such a call will report it to their local law
enforcement.”
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov
