KENNEWICK -- Kennewick police are warning residents not to fall for a phone scam telling potential victims they have to send a money order to avoid being arrested on a warrant.

A resident on Saturday told police she received a call appearing to have originated in New York telling her she had an outstanding arrest warrant for a fraudulent loan.

The scammer told the woman she would have to send a $1,000 bond by 5 p.m. that day to avoid going to jail. The woman had not taken out a loan and called police.

Police said they would not tell anyone to send a money order to avoid arrest, and advised being suspicious of any call demanding a payment through a money order or wire transfer.

Anyone with information or tips about telephone scams can call the Crime Stoppers line at 586-8477.