NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) -- Newport police are urging people to be cautious of a new phone scam that impersonates law enforcement.

The department said they've recently received reports of scam calls where the caller says they are with Newport police and have "legal documents" that must be signed.

Usually the caller will explain that a failure to appear warrant was issued for a sexual assault case, according to police. The caller will then ask the person who answered to buy a gift card or Bit Coin and give that code over the phone for that warrant to be canceled.

Police said the scammer uses a computer program to "spoof" the department's phone number, (401)-847-1306, and make it appear as if they are calling.

People who receive these calls are urged to hang up and then contact Newport polic

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