North Topsail Beach police warn of phone scam

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - The North Topsail Beach Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent calls that appear to come from the department’s phone number.

Police say the callers falsely claim the recipient is about to be arrested and must pay money to avoid it. The department said the calls are a scam.

Police said they will never demand payment over the phone, ask anyone to buy gift cards, or request money through apps or cryptocurrency.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up, not share personal or financial information, and call the department directly at (910) 328-0042. Victims can also report the scam at ic3.gov.