Idaho State Police warn public about new phone scam

MERIDIAN, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – Scammers are posing as law enforcement officials in a new scheme targeting Idaho residents.

Scam callers are using false claims about DNA testing requirements and threats of arrest to coerce payment, according to Idaho State Police.

In one reported case, police said, a scammer left a voicemail demanding the recipient take a DNA test in response to a registered letter. The scammer called again and said that a warrant had been issued for their arrest for missing the meeting. The scammer then demanded immediate payment to “resolve” the issue.

In another case, according to police, a scam caller claimed to be looking for a woman’s son who had failed a DNA test. The caller said the son had an arrest warrant and demanded money under the pretext of paying bail.

Idaho State Police said the new scam undermines the efforts of the Sexual Assault Against Initiative (SAKI) team, which collects and analyzes the DNA of convicted criminals for national databases.

“Our SAKI team is committed to collecting legally required DNA samples to ensure justice, not to intimidate or threaten people over the phone,” SAKI site coordinator Mark Denhardt said in a statement. “These scammers distort our goals, create confusion and undermine public confidence in important programs. If you receive a call like this, please do not answer. Check by contacting us directly.”

Idaho State Police said they will never demand payment or threaten jail time over the phone.

Idaho State Police advised anyone suspicious of a scam call to check its legitimacy by emailing the team at: [email protected] or by calling 208-846-7582.