The scammers probably don’t look like this. Photo via Shutterstock.

There’s a new phone scam going around in which the scammers pretend to be Metropolitan Police Officers to try and get you to give them your money.

MPD says they’re aware of the scam and are warning people to be wary of anyone calling claiming to be a law enforcement officer collecting money for outstanding bills, tickets, or loans. According to MPD, complaints about the scam have mostly come from out-of-state residents, claiming that self-identified law enforcement personnel calling from a 202 area code wanted them to pay bills, tickets, or loans over the phone. Sometimes the suspect identifies themselves as a “detective with the Financial Crime Unit of the MPD or as an IRS Agent.”

The scammers reportedly ask for money to be wired via Western Union, MoneyGram, or Greendot “MoneyPaks,” and are often using the actual names of government or law enforcement officers to “enhance the credibility of the scam.” They’re also making the calls through Magic Jack and VOIP in order to obtain a 202 area code, even if they’re not local. Police say the money is usually transferred overseas, making it hard for law enforcement officials to investigate and for the wire service to reimburse funds.

Just an FYI so you know to avoid the scam if you get a suspicious phone call: Law enforcement agencies will never attempt to collect fines or debt from citizens and the IRS won’t initiate contact with taxpayers through phone or email. Furthermore, MPD says that “consumers should be ever vigilant and always question why. Business’ and law enforcement agencies won’t mind and actually appreciate when consumer’s question the legitimacy of correspondence or bills.”