The Independence Police Department has received several reports of a variety of scams in recent weeks and are warning citizens not to participate.

Citizens are reporting a scam where the caller impersonates an IRS agent and claims to have a warrant for the person’s arrest. The scammer demands you pay money over the phone or you'll be arrested. In another recent scam the scammer texts victims and attempts to exchange sensitive photos and then pressures them to purchase gift cards and text them the card information. In the third recent scam, the scammer sends the target a counterfeit check for $2,600 and instructs the victim to purchase four gift cards for $500 and to keep the $600. The victim is instructed to text the gift card information to the scammer.

Chief Jerry Harrison says these scams seem to circulate on a regular basis, unfortunately, several scams are occurring at the same time. Police warn citizens they will not accept payments for warrants over the phone and not to share sensitive photos. If you receive an unsolicited check in the mail it is likely fraud. Do not cash the check or provide the gift card information to anyone.