The Troy Police Department is warning residents of a new phone scam involving federal warrants and a probate judge’s office.

The TPD received four reports this weekend of a man calling and representing himself as a member of the Federal Warrant Division working with the Probate Judge’s office on Pike County.

“The suspect was calling individuals stating he was Ronald Lewis with the Federal Warrant Division working out of the probate office,” said Lt. Brian Weed of the TPD. “He stated the individuals failed to appear in court and warrants were out for their arrest.”

Those who received the calls were told to go to CVS or Walgreens and purchase a “green dot” prepaid card with a $500 balance. Weed said the scam was more than likely a spinoff from scams earlier this year.

“I’ve never seen a scam where we had that many reports done in one day,” Weed said. “Thankfully no one fell for it.”

Probate Judge Wes Allen said his office did not deal at all with warrants or failing to appear in court.

“We don’t issue warrants at all,” Allen said. “We subpoena people to appear in court, but we can’t issue warrants for arrest.”

“If anyone has information of who this person is, they can call 566-0500 to report it,” Weed said.

Individuals with information can also call the Secret Witness line at 566-5555 or Crime Stoppers at 215-STOP (7867).