Fairfield police are warning residents about a current scam that involves people impersonating federal agents.

Police say scammers are posing as employees from the Federal Trade Commission, the Treasury Department and other federal agencies. They send fake warrants and fraudulent documents that are designed to pressure people to send or wire money, buy gold or hand over valuables.

In recent months, more than $500,000 has been stolen from residents under this scam.

Police stress that no government agency will demand payment or threaten to arrest someone over the phone or via email.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call is advised to hang up and contact Fairfield police at 203-254-4800.

People can also report the call to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.