Overland Park Police Warn Residents of Fake Warrant Scams

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Overland Park, Kan. – The Overland Park Police Department has issued a warning about a new scam targeting residents as they prepare to celebrate the new year. Scammers are using fake warrant calls to trick people into handing over money or personal information.

Here’s how the scam typically operates:

A caller contacts a resident, claiming that they or a family member has an outstanding warrant. The scammers use real officer names and fabricated badge numbers to add credibility to their story. They also manipulate caller IDs to make it appear as if the call is coming from the police department itself.

Once the victim is convinced of the legitimacy of the call, the scammers demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or digital payment apps. This is done under the guise of clearing the warrant.

Police have made it clear that this is a scam. According to the Overland Park Police, “The Overland Park Police will never call to demand payment over the phone to resolve a warrant. Warrants are served in person or through the court system, not via unsolicited phone calls.”

What to do if you receive a suspicious call

If someone calls and claims you have a warrant, law enforcement officials advise you to hang up immediately. Do not provide any personal or financial information. To verify whether you actually have a warrant, contact the Overland Park Police Department’s non-emergency line at 913-895-6300 or your local law enforcement agency.

This type of scam has been reported in the Kansas City metro area for several years now. In December, a bank teller helped prevent a Clay County woman from losing thousands of dollars to scammers. This follows an October incident where dozens of residents reported similar schemes each day for at least a month.

Multiple agencies have issued warnings about this scam over the years:

• August 2025: Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office reported the scam again.
• January 2025: Leawood Police noted an increase in scam calls.
• June 2024: Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office received several reports.
• January 2023: Grain Valley Police warned residents about the scam.

Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to spread awareness, especially among elderly family members who may be more vulnerable to these tactics.

Red flags to watch for

Investigators suggest being cautious if a caller:

• Demands immediate payment
• Asks for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or digital payment apps
• Pressures you to stay on the line
• Threatens arrest if you do not pay right away
• Uses high-pressure tactics or creates a sense of urgency

Law enforcement officials emphasize that real officers will never ask for payment over the phone to resolve a warrant.

Scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission by visiting their website. For more information about common scams, visit the relevant resources online.