Marseilles Police Warn of Bitcoin Arrest Warrant Phone Scam

Scammers allegedly called a local resident claiming a fake arrest warrant and demanding immediate payment in cryptocurrency.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:51pm

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The Marseilles Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers claim there is an arrest warrant and demand immediate payment in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency to resolve it. Police emphasize that law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone and will never demand money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfers to clear warrants or avoid arrest.

Why it matters

Phone scams involving threats of arrest and demands for cryptocurrency have been reported nationwide in recent years, often targeting residents who may feel pressured to act quickly. This warning helps raise awareness in the Marseilles community about this type of scam and provides guidance on how to avoid becoming a victim.

The details

According to the Marseilles Police Department, officers recently received a report of a phone scam in which a caller told a resident there was a 'warrant for your arrest' in LaSalle County and demanded immediate payment to resolve it. The caller allegedly instructed the resident to send money using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency. Police say scammers may also use 'spoofed' phone numbers that appear to come from legitimate government agencies or local police departments to make the calls seem more convincing.

  • The Marseilles Police Department recently received a report of the phone scam.

The players

Marseilles Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Marseilles, Illinois that is warning residents about the phone scam.

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What they’re saying

“If you get a call like this, just hang up. Even if the caller ID looks official, it's likely spoofed.”

— Marseilles Police Department

What’s next

Residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of a call are encouraged to contact the Marseilles Police Department directly using its official non-emergency phone number to verify the claim.

The takeaway

This warning highlights the importance of being vigilant about phone scams, especially those involving threats of arrest and demands for cryptocurrency payments. Residents should be cautious of unsolicited calls, avoid providing personal or financial information, and report any suspicious activity to the local police department.