IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Local law enforcement is warning the public about phone scams.

A common scam involves suspects posing as local police officers and tricking victims into believing they have an arrest warrant, have failed to serve on a jury, or owe a fine. Some reported scams have used the names of local police officers.

Sergeant Bryan Lovell of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office says it never happens that the police or the court calls people and asks them for money over the phone.

If there is an arrest warrant against you, you usually have to appear in person at the court or before the law enforcement authorities.

Lovell also said scammers are becoming more creative with their tactics.

“They use numbers, names and information from the area you are in. They may even already have some of your personal information and use it to try to convince you. If they try to get you to pay money in this way, be suspicious because it is probably a scam.”

Scammers sometimes ask you to purchase gift cards and give you the code numbers and information.

If you receive a fraudulent call, report it to the police.

You can find more information about these scams here.