Darien police are warning residents about a phone scam in which the caller poses as a police officer and threatens the victim with an arrest warrant and court date.

Officers say this is a unique twist to the typical phone scam, and it comes across as pretty legitimate. Sgt. Jerremiah Marron says the scammer rigs the caller ID so it appears the call is coming from the police department.

The caller also uses the name of a current officer. Marron says the caller waits while the victim goes to the store to purchase a prepaid money card and then provides the information.

He says victims didn't realize anything was wrong until going to Stamford Superior Court for their alleged court date.

Police say a red flag should go up if a caller threatens you with an arrest, says you owe money or fees to the IRS, or demands immediate payment by phone.

Marron says these scams aren't going away, but he hopes to help make them less effective. He says people are sometimes hesitant to report that they've fallen victim, but it is important to let officers know.