Be aware

A telephone call threatening arrest is one form of a scam going on in the area, according to Pea Ridge Police officer Brandon Davis.

"I've handled a couple before, over at the Sheriff's Office," Davis said. "Please contact the Police Department to run the situation past us if you suspect anything."

Davis and Officer John Langham both said the perpetrators prey on people's fear.

"They're using the same scare tactics on people of jail time, of being arrested, of owing a lot of money," Davis said. "You hear this scenario over and over again. It doesn't hurt to speak to one of us about it."

Police Chief Tim Ledbetter said: "If you didn't initiate the call, you should be suspicious. Do not give out personal information."

"Please talk with your older family members and warn them," Davis said, adding that the reports he has received have been to land-line telephones.

"Any time you suspect any type of fraud, contact us. That's what we're here for. The chief and his officers work 24 hours a day and are available anytime to discuss possible fraud attempts," Davis said.

Davis received two complaints -- one on Sept. 13 and one on Oct. 10 -- in Pea Ridge. He said the caller claims to be a federal law enforcement officer with the IRS and speaks with a foreign accent. "It's an attempt to get money wired or to obtain enough personal information that they can access your personal banking," he said.

One caller told the victim that an officer would come to her house, handcuff her and take her to jail, Davis said.

"It's been going on for years. Obviously they're being successful to scam or they wouldn't continue it for so long," Davis said. "I started noticing this particular scam the last few years."

"We don't handle money," Chief Ledbetter said, explaining that if there is money to be paid for a fine, it is handled by court officials. "We're not going to call you to tell you you're being arrested."

The scam is predominant enough that there is a web site and toll-free telephone number with information to educate the public.

"We can't do anything about someone overseas, but we can educate our people," Ledbetter said.