Harrison Police Warn of Government Scams

The Harrison Police Department is urging community members to remain vigilant following a warning from the FBI regarding a rise in government impersonation scams. Criminals are increasingly pretending to be law enforcement officers or government officials to trick individuals into sharing sensitive personal information or sending money.

The scale of these fraudulent operations is significant. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), nearly 61,000 complaints were filed between January 2025 and July 2026. These scams resulted in reported losses exceeding $1.6 billion, highlighting the effectiveness and danger of these tactics.

Authorities emphasize that legitimate government agencies and law enforcement will never contact a citizen via phone or text to demand immediate payment. A major red flag is any request for funds through unconventional methods, such as cryptocurrency, prepaid gift cards, or cash couriers.

Modern scammers are also utilizing advanced technology to appear more convincing. The FBI warns that artificial intelligence (AI) and manipulated video calls are now being used to impersonate officials and create a false sense of legitimacy.

To protect yourself, the Harrison Police Department recommends the following:

• Verify Independently: Never provide financial or personal data until you have confirmed the caller's identity through an official, independent channel.
• Avoid Provided Links: Do not use phone numbers, email addresses, or links provided by the caller to verify who they are, as these often lead to further scams.
• Stop and Think: If a caller uses threats to pressure you into paying money, hang up immediately.

If you believe you have been targeted, contact your financial institution immediately if money was exchanged. Additionally, notify local law enforcement and file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.





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