If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office stating you have a warrant and asking for money from you, HANG UP! IT IS A SCAM! The Sheriff’s Office has received several complaints today from citizens stating were contacted by phone from a deputy and told they had a warrant. Most of citizens reporting this incident are local school employees, but everyone should be aware. This scam plays on your fears. These con artists tell potential victims that there is an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty or some minor infraction and that a fine is due. The caller will then demand payment via debit/credit card, Western Union, or instructs victims to obtain a prepaid card to cover the payment. To sound credible, these scammers are providing legitimate names and information of law enforcement employees and may even reference a local area judge by name. They also use Caller ID “spoofing,” which makes it appear as though the call is coming from a local law enforcement agency or court offices. If you truly have a warrant for your arrest you are not going to be notified through a phone call. If you have a warrant for your arrest, a law enforcement officer will make efforts to contact you in person. Legitimate warrants can only be cleared through the court system. No employee of the Sheriff’s Office will ever contact members of the public by telephone to demand money or any other form of payment. If you get this type of call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. If you are worried you owe money on a fine, call the number of the court offices that you believe the warrant was issued from. Find the number in the local directory do not assume any number that the caller gave you is valid. If you do give the caller any personal information or money, call to report it to law enforcement immediately.
