North Carolina Domestic Violence Scam Alert: What Victims Need to Know
The North Carolina Department of Justice is warning domestic violence victims about a scam involving callers who impersonate law enforcement officers or court officials and demand money.
In its September 17, 2026 warning, the Department of Justice said scammers may contact victims shortly after an arrest, court hearing, or court date and use information connected to the case to make the call sound legitimate. They may claim immediate payment is required for a protective order, bond, electronic monitoring, or another issue involving the case.
The most important thing to know: filing a Domestic Violence Protective Order in North Carolina is free. The North Carolina Judicial Branch confirms that clerks provide the paperwork at no charge and there are no court costs to file for a DVPO.
If someone unexpectedly demands money related to a domestic violence case:
Hang up. Do not send money. Verify the information independently.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
What Is the Domestic Violence Scam Being Reported in North Carolina?
According to the North Carolina Department of Justice, scammers are posing as law enforcement officers or court officials and contacting people involved in domestic violence cases.
A caller may claim money is urgently needed to:
- Pay bond for a person accused of abuse
- Have criminal charges dismissed
- Process or file a Domestic Violence Protective Order
- Pay for electronic monitoring
- Prevent someone from being released from custody
Scammers may also falsely claim that Family Justice Centers or victim-service providers charge for assistance. The Department of Justice says legitimate victim services are available at no cost.
These calls can be especially convincing because someone involved in a domestic violence matter may already be concerned about safety, court proceedings, children, finances, or what happens next.
Does It Cost Money to File a Protective Order in North Carolina?
No.
A Domestic Violence Protective Order, commonly called a DVPO or 50B order, is a civil court order available in qualifying domestic violence situations.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch confirms there is no charge to file for a DVPO. Clerks provide the paperwork free of charge, and there are no court costs.
For additional information about these matters, visit Triangle Divorce Lawyers' Domestic Violence & Protective Orders page.
The Department of Justice also warns that a district attorney's office will not dismiss criminal charges in exchange for money. Criminal charges and civil protective orders are separate legal matters.
If someone tells you that payment is required for either process, verify that information directly with the appropriate court, law enforcement agency, district attorney's office, or attorney.
How Can a Scammer Know Details About Your Case?
One reason these calls can appear legitimate is that the scammer may know real information about a victim or court case.
The Department of Justice says scammers have used information from investigative or court records to personalize their calls. In cases reported in North Carolina, officials have not determined exactly how the scammers obtained the information, although court filings and other public information are considered possible sources.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch also notes that documents filed in DVPO cases are public records.
That means:
Knowing your name, court date, the other party's name, or information about an actual case does not automatically prove that a caller is legitimate.
Rather than asking the caller to prove who they are, end the conversation and independently contact the agency or court the person claims to represent.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call?
If someone unexpectedly demands money related to a domestic violence matter:
- Hang up.
Do not let a caller's sense of urgency pressure you into making an immediate decision. - Do not send money or provide financial information.
Do not provide banking information, card numbers, gift cards, or another form of payment because someone says it is required for your case. - Verify the information independently.
Find the official phone number for the court, law enforcement agency, district attorney's office, or organization yourself and contact them directly. - Contact your attorney if the call involves your family-law matter.
If you have legal representation, your attorney can help determine whether the communication relates to an actual proceeding or legal requirement. - Seek help if you are concerned about your safety.
Contact legitimate law enforcement, a domestic violence advocacy organization, or a Family Justice Center.
The North Carolina Department of Justice specifically advises people who receive these suspicious calls to hang up, refuse payment, and seek assistance through legitimate sources.
Where Can Domestic Violence Victims Get Help?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides domestic violence resources and information about finding a local service agency.
If a caller claims that someone in custody is about to be released, verify the information through an official source. North Carolina's Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification system, NC SAVAN, provides information about certain defendants in custody and release notifications. Victims can call 1-877-627-2826 to register.
If you believe you have been targeted by this scam, the North Carolina Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division can be reached at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226).
Most importantly, do not allow an unexpected caller demanding money to discourage you from seeking legitimate help.
How Can Domestic Violence Affect a North Carolina Family-Law Matter?
Domestic violence can intersect with several areas of family law, including protective orders, separation, divorce, and child custody.
A DVPO can address issues such as contact between the parties, possession of a shared residence, and temporary custody. Triangle Divorce Lawyers also handles protective-order matters and related family-law issues.
For someone already involved in a family-law matter, an unexpected call about an arrest, court date, protective order, or another party's custody status may feel especially urgent.
Before sending money, sharing financial information, or changing your plans because of an unexpected call, verify the information through a trusted source.
Questions About Domestic Violence and Family Law in North Carolina?
If you have questions about how domestic violence, a protective order, separation, or child custody may affect your family-law matter, Triangle Divorce Lawyers can help you understand your legal options.
Schedule a Case Review with Triangle Divorce Lawyers or call 919-303-2020 to connect with our team.
This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different, and the appropriate legal options depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved.