Beware of scams targeting those on the registry
A year ago NARSOL began tracking reports of scams targeting those who are on the sex offender registry. We are deeply concerned about this and committed to taking whatever steps we can to help protect the well-being of our members and contacts by making them aware of this situation.
The culprits behind these scams are very clever and have been successful in duping registrants out of thousands of dollars. They know which emotional triggers are most likely to get the response they desire, and they know how to disguise their phone number so it appears that the call is coming from a local police department. Victims have also reported hearing background noise that sounded very much like a police dispatch center, which made it harder to question the legitimacy of the call.
Remember, the police do not call people when there is a warrant out for their arrest. They just show up and arrest them. Also, the police will never demand a payment over the phone or demand that the person meet them somewhere to make a payment in person. If you ever receive a call claiming that there is a warrant out for your arrest or that you will be arrested unless you make a payment, do not share any personal information and hang up immediately. If you have any doubt, you can contact your local police department and ask them if they called you.
NARSOL and its foundation Vivante Espero are working hard to bring change to the sex offender registry laws that force people who were convicted of a sexual offense years or decades ago to regularly report personal information. Much of that information is displayed on public websites, which gives those with malicious intentions a tool to use against registrants. We are determined to continue our fight against the oppressive registry laws for the well-being of everyone.
Please feel free to share this message with anyone you feel should know about these scams and ask them to bookmark NARSOL’s website or follow us on Facebook so that they can stay informed on what is happening.
