A Bulletin From the Colorado Bureau of Investigation
Telephone Scams Targeting Registered Sex Offenders
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Sex Offender Registration Unit is aware of telephone scams that target registered sex offenders in an effort to extort money. The CBI has received multiple reports of these scams occurring over the last several years by various Colorado law enforcement agencies towards their registrants.
How The Scam Works - When the registered sex offender is contacted by phone, the scammer claims to be a sex offender compliance officer, and may supply badge and phone numbers. In some case, the scammer uses a specific officer's name associated with a specific local law enforcement agency, which in many cases is the name of a real officer. The caller may or may not state they are with the same agency where the offender is currently registered. There have also been reports of scammers claiming to be with a federal law enforcement agency. The caller then informs the registered sex offender that they are non-compliant with their registration requirements or that they failed to supply a DNA sample and will be arrested, or a warrant will be issued, if they fail to pay a specific fine or bond.
The sex offender is then instructed to obtain a variety of possible gift cards for specific dollar amounts. Once the cards are obtained, the scammer instructs the victim to provide the unique number on the back of the cards. The scammer can then either drain the cash, or sell the card online, once they obtain the serial numbers from the card. In some cases, the caller informs the victim they have additional fines and arrest warrant fees in an effort to collect more money.
Additional Scams - Variations of the scam have been reported. When a scammer claims sex offender is out of compliance with registration requirements, in some cases, registration forms have been faxed to the scammers to prove a current registration status. Once the registration form is faxed, the scammers then have all of the personal information for the offender (name, date of birth and social security number) allowing them to be further victimized (identity theft). In some cases, the offenders real bank or credit card information has been provided to the scammers to pay their "fine or bond", also allowing for further victimization.
Resources - Please know that the CBI takes these scams very seriously and believes no one should be a victim of fraud or identity theft. If you have received communication that you suspect might be a scam, please be aware the CBI has secured resources for sex offenders who are victims of fraud or identity theft. You are encouraged to reach out to the Victim Assistance Team to report these scams and to access support and resources. The Victim Advocates may be reached through the 24 hour hotline at 1-855-443-3489 or by email at CBI.StopIDTheft@state.co.us.
This notice serves as an advertisement to you that law enforcement will never solicit personal information, documentation or funds by threatening arrest or summons over the phone.
If you have questions regarding your registration requirements, registration status or these scams, please reach out to the local law enforcement agency where you register.
