Raleigh -- September 21, 2026: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has issued an urgent warning to residents regarding deceptive schemes targeting domestic violence victims across the state. Fraudsters are actively impersonating law enforcement officers and court officials to intimidate victims and extort money during deeply vulnerable moments.
According to state officials, perpetrators frequently initiate contact shortly after an arrest, court appearance, or trial date. By cross-referencing public court filings, district and superior court records, civil calendars, and family court dockets, scammers obtain specific personal details regarding open domestic violence cases. They use this accurate case information to manufacture credibility, exploit emotional stress, and pressure victims into making immediate financial decisions.
Common Scenarios Used by Scammers
Posting bail or bond: Callers demand immediate payment from the victim under the guise of securing bail or bond for the alleged abuser.
Dismissal of criminal charges: Scammers falsely claim that the district attorney will drop or dismiss pending charges if the victim pays a fee.
Protective order processing fees: Victims are told they must pay immediate processing or filing fees over the phone to enact a domestic violence protection order.
Electronic monitoring costs: Callers claim an abuser is eligible for release from custody only if the victim pays for required ankle monitors or electronic tracking devices.
Facility supply shortages: Fraudsters allege that local jails or detention facilities face severe supply shortages and will release the defendant unless the victim pays a fee.
Misleading claims about support services: Perpetrators attempt to isolate victims by falsely stating that Family Justice Centers and local advocacy organizations charge high fees for assistance.
State and Local Officials Speak Out
Attorney General Jeff Jackson emphasized that legitimate authorities do not conduct business this way: “Let me be clear on this: No legitimate law enforcement agency or district attorney will call you to demand money. If you get a call like that, it’s a scam. Hang up and call law enforcement. There are real, legitimate resources in North Carolina for victims of domestic violence, and I hope you will seek them out.”
Randolph County District Attorney Andy Gregson, President of the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys, noted that prosecutors are gravely concerned about public records being weaponized against domestic violence survivors, underscoring ongoing efforts to safeguard victims and their families.
Sylva Assistant Chief of Police Robbie Carter addressed the deceptive tactics used in Western North Carolina and statewide: “As law enforcement officers, our priority in domestic violence cases is protecting victims and connecting them with resources that enhance their safety. Scammers often try to create panic and pressure victims into making quick decisions. We want to remind victims that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never ask them to send money for a protective order or electronic monitoring. If you receive a suspicious call, end the conversation and reach out directly to your local law enforcement agency, domestic violence advocacy center, or Family Justice Center. Free help and support are available to victims of domestic violence 24 hours a day.”
Guilford County Family Justice Center Director Sonya Desai reiterated that holding perpetrators accountable rests entirely on the justice system, not on the survivor, and condemned the predatory exploitation of survivors' trauma.
Essential Facts for Victims and Families
Filing protective orders is always free: There is never a court charge, filing fee, or service charge to process a domestic violence protection order in North Carolina.
Charges are never dropped for cash: A district attorney’s office will never offer to drop, alter, or dismiss charges in exchange for direct payments.
Support services do not charge: Advocacy organizations, Family Justice Centers, and local 24/7 crisis hotlines provide free, confidential help, safety planning, and emergency shelter resources.
Recommended Actions if Targeted
Hang up immediately: Do not engage, argue, or verify personal details. Scammers rely on artificial urgency to create isolation and panic.
Refuse any payment demand: Law enforcement agencies and courts will never request wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, payment apps, or phone transactions under threat of arrest or defendant release.
Contact trusted authorities directly: Hang up and independently dial your local police department, sheriff's office, or crisis counselor to review safety plans.
Report fraudulent attempts: Anyone targeted by these calls should contact the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or filing a formal complaint online at ncdoj.gov.