The Meridian Police Department warned residents about a scam that pretends to be the department’s front desk and asks for money for an unpaid fine.

The scammer(s), who use the department’s front desk number and identify themselves as officer John Allen, ask residents to transfer money to an account.

“If we call a person, it will be to come to the police department in person, never to send money into an account or pay over the phone,” Meridian Police Sgt. Dareall Thompson said. 

Thompson said the department did have a website where residents could pay fines but encouraged anybody receiving this phone call to check with the department first. 

The scammer(s) threatens to arrest residents who don’t pay the fine.

“We want people to know about this scam,” Thompson said. “And call the police department if you receive this call.”