The U.S. Marshals Service in Maine recently issued a warning to residents about scammers who are calling the public, pretending to be officials of the federal government. The scam calls appear to be legitimate because the calls display the actual U.S. Marshals and other office telephone numbers through a practice called “spoofing.”

Spoofing is a method used by scammers to make the display on a caller ID appear to come from a number that is different from the one it is actually originating from.

The scammers are threatening those they contact with arrest, loss of property and other unfortunate outcomes if the person called does not provide money for a “fine” or a “bond” to avoid a scam legal proceeding.

The Marshals Service reports that the scammers are using information that is publicly available, such as addresses and phone numbers so that victims are convinced the call is legitimate. They may also give the potential victim a false name and badge number, claiming to be a member of law enforcement.

Members of the public who receive a call of this type are urged to call the federal agency at the phone number listed on the agency’s website to verify the information.

The warning advises members of the public, “The U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers for any purpose.” It also reminds the public not to share  personal or financial information with unknown callers and to report scam phone calls to the local FBI office and to the Federal Trade Commission.

Anyone who is a victim of fraud may report it via the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov