FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2026

CONTACT

Aric Mitchell
info@fortsmithpd.org
479-709-5000

SCAM ALERT

Fort Smith Police Warn of Ongoing Scams Resulting in Significant Financial Losses

Fort Smith, AR – The Fort Smith Police Department is urging residents to remain vigilant following a recent increase in reported scams in the past few weeks.

These scams are not new, but they are becoming more sophisticated, more convincing, and more aggressive.

In many cases, victims are being contacted by individuals posing as law enforcement officers, government officials, financial institutions, or even loved ones. Scammers rely on urgency, fear, and confusion to pressure victims into making quick decisions.

Residents should keep the following in mind:

• Law enforcement will never call you to demand money or threaten arrest for immediate payment.
• Never provide personal information over the phone, including:
  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account or routing numbers
  • Debit or credit card information
• Be cautious of urgent or threatening language, especially claims that:
  • A loved one is in danger or needs money immediately
  • You will be arrested, or your loved one will be harmed if payment is not made (yes, even if the caller sounds like the loved one themselves)
• Do not send money via unconventional methods, including:
  • Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency
  • Gift cards
  • Wire transfers to unknown individuals

Scammers are increasingly using advanced technology, including voice-cloning, to impersonate family members or trusted contacts. These calls may sound real, but they are designed to create panic and push victims into acting before verifying the situation.

If you receive a suspicious call:

• Don't answer; but if you do...
• Hang up immediately
• Contact the person or agency directly using a verified phone number
• Do not rely on caller ID, as it can be spoofed

Due to the nature of these crimes, suspects are often located outside of the local area, and in many cases, outside the United States, making investigations complex and difficult to resolve.

Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized are strongly encouraged to report incidents to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at: https://www.ic3.gov. When in doubt, you may also contact the FSPD by phone or email at 479-709-5000 or info@fortsmithpd.org, respectively.

Reporting these incidents helps law enforcement track patterns, identify trends, and potentially prevent others from becoming victims.

The Fort Smith Police Department reminds the public: If something feels off, it probably is. Take a moment, verify the information, and don’t let urgency override your judgment.