Beware of scams using INTERPOL’s name

Don’t be tricked – INTERPOL never contacts members of the public directly, never demands money from people and will never ask for your bank details or any money transfer.

We are aware of scams misusing our name. These are usually intended to convince you to send money to the scammers, who use our Organization’s name because it sounds serious and legitimate.

Some scammers go so far as to create fake messages using the name and photo of the INTERPOL Secretary General (formerly Jürgen Stock). Such messages may falsely claim the recipient is the subject of a Red Notice in order to intimidate them into paying money.

Don’t be misled by official-looking stamps or names in the letters or emails. This correspondence is fake.

Examples of tricks used by scammers

“You are in our database as having been hacked. Please contact us so we can check if you are a victim.”

This one doesn’t ask straight out for money, but seems to be concerned for your welfare. This is probably just a first step, and once you contact them, could lead to requests for funds.

INTERPOL does not contact people who are in its databases. And we don’t have a database of people who are hacked.

“Once you have sent us the funds, INTERPOL will issue a letter of authorization so we can unlock your account.”

INTERPOL does not issue any kind of authorization letter related to unlocking funds.

An example of a scam via What’s App using the former Secretary General’s name.

An example of a scam letter using INTERPOL's name.

Don’t be misled by official-looking stamps or names in the letters or emails. This correspondence is fake.

An example of a scam email that appears to come from an INTERPOL domain.

An example of a scam letter using INTERPOL's name.

INTERPOL does not send officers on undercover assignments – they only travel at the request of a member country. If you see someone using a fake INTERPOL ID, like these, please report it.

INTERPOL will never ask for your personal details or demand money from you. If you are given bank account details and requested to transfer money, do not reply and please report the message to us.

We will never offer to recover your money from previous fraud losses – these messages are often from the people who scammed you in the first place. Do not reply.

We never get involved in financial transactions. Do not reply to these messages, and do not click on links in suspicious emails.

An example of a scam letter using INTERPOL's name.

An example of a scam letter using INTERPOL's name.

/

“INTERPOL has confirmed this transaction is legitimate and will take action to arrest you if there is any delay in paying this tax fee.”

INTERPOL does not get involved in any financial transactions, and does not arrest people (arrests are carried out by national police in our member countries).

“You have been a victim of a financial fraud carried out by scammers. We are INTERPOL and we can help you to recover the money.”

This is probably the same people who scammed you (how else would they have your details?) They are going to try to scam you a second time.

“Your photo is on a website of INTERPOL wanted persons. We need you to confirm your details.”

The only legitimate list of INTERPOL Red Notices is the one published on this website on our Wanted Persons page.

Any other site is a bogus one, aimed at scaring you into paying to be removed. Don’t be fooled.

Let us know!

If you receive a suspicious email or correspondence using the INTERPOL name that includes bank account details or the name of a money remitter for you to transfer money to, please let us know. Send us the details using the contact form below, so that we can refer the matter to national police for investigation.