Can police ask for payment by crypto?
No. Police and government agencies never demand payment in cryptocurrency, gift cards, or by transfer to a 'safe account'.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Scammers impersonate police to frighten victims into paying 'fines' or moving money. No legitimate police force, court, or government agency collects fines or fees through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or urgent transfers, and they don't threaten immediate arrest by phone. These unusual payment demands are designed to be fast and irreversible.
Common red flags
- 'Police' demanding crypto, gift cards, or transfers
- Threats of immediate arrest
- Pressure to stay on the line and keep it secret
- Instruction to move money to a 'safe account'
What to do now
- Hang up and do not pay
- Contact the police via their official non-emergency number to verify
- Report the scam
Frequently asked questions
What if the caller ID shows a real police number?
Caller ID can be spoofed to display any number. A genuine-looking number doesn't make the call real — hang up and verify through official channels.