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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
May 14, 2015
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 DEBT COLLECTOR CALLS
CLAIMING TO BE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

(MONTGOMERY) – Attorney General Luther Strange warns of a new scam in
Alabama involving callers who claim to be from the Attorney General’s Office attempting to
collect a debt. Someone pretending to be from the Attorney General’s Office calls the victim
and threatens arrest if a bill is not paid.
This scam is very similar to others reported in Alabama this year 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.
In the latest scam, callers are using a spoofed phone number that reads on caller ID as
the Attorney General’s Office.
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.”

-30-
501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov