Nashua Police Warn Residents About Caller Scam Claiming Missed Court Dates

NASHUA, NH — Police are warning New Hampshire residents about an active telephone scam in which callers pretend to be Nashua police officers and demand money over supposed legal trouble.

According to the department's public warning, callers tell people they missed a court date or another legal proceeding and now face arrest, a warrant, or other consequences.

The caller then offers what sounds like a quick fix, telling the person to pay a “penalty,” “fine,” or “fee” right away and the problem will go away. The department said that is not how real police business is handled. Nashua police said officers do not call people and demand payment over the phone to cancel a warrant, drop a charge, or make a court case disappear.

The warning spells out several things Nashua police said officers will never do. Officers will never demand payment by phone, text, gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, cash-app or prepaid debit card, according to the warning. They also will not threaten immediate arrest unless money is paid on the spot, instruct someone to stay on the line, move money or keep the call secret from family members or a bank, or collect court fines or “penalties” over the telephone.

Residents who get one of these calls should hang up and avoid arguing or sharing any personal or financial information, according to the department. The warning also says not to pay anything, noting that once money is sent, it is rarely recovered. Anyone who believes there may be a real court matter should independently verify it by contacting the court directly.

The department said these scams often target older adults and people already anxious about court or police contact.

Nashua police are asking residents to share the warning with family members, neighbors and others who may be vulnerable.