NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Newport police announced Wednesday that residents have received fraudulent calls claiming payment is needed to cancel an alleged warrant. According to Lieutenant Joe Carroll, scammers are using Newport police officer’s names and telling residents that legal documents need to be signed regarding a sexual assault case. The scammers tell the caller they are facing a “failure to appear” warrant, and instruct them to purchase a gift card or bitcoin in order to cancel the warrant, as well as are told to provide the codes over the phone. Carroll said the scammers are using a computer program to make caller identification appear to be coming from the Newport Police Department. The Newport Police Department, law enforcement, and government agencies will never require personal information over the phone or have someone purchase a gift card, bitcoin, or another form of payment, according to Carroll. Police said anyone who receives these calls are advised to hang up and call the Newport Police Department at 401-847-1306.   Categories: Newport, News, Rhode Island