BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham Police (BPD) are warning the public to be extra wary of phone scammers after recent incidents.

BPD said in a statement over Facebook that there were reports Wednesday of scammers claiming to be an officer with the department.

The scammers, who reportedly use a thick Southern accent, are telling people that they missed jury duty and have warrants for their arrest. They will then offer to excuse the offenses if the victim buys a VISA card as payment.

BPD says none of its officers will ever call to ask for any type of payment over the phone to clear up a legal issue.

The department is asking anyone who gets a scam call to fill out an online report on their website.