Wayne County, OH – Residents are being urged to stay alert today after the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office warned of two scams resurfacing across the county, both involving impersonation of law enforcement and demands for money.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, one scam involves callers claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office or another law enforcement agency, contacting people about an alleged legal matter and demanding immediate payment. Officials say the scammers are using the real names of current staff members, as well as names from other law enforcement agencies, to sound legitimate.
Authorities stress that the Sheriff’s Office will never call residents to demand money, threaten arrest over the phone, or request payment through gift cards, money orders, wire transfers, or other nontraditional methods.
A second scam targets places of employment, particularly businesses associated with registered sex offenders. In those cases, scammers allegedly call employers claiming they are trying to reach a specific employee and instruct staff to have that person contact a supposed officer. One name reportedly being used is “Lt. Green,” though officials confirm this contact is fraudulent.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who receives these calls to hang up immediately and not engage further. Residents are also warned not to share personal or financial information with anyone claiming to represent law enforcement without independently verifying the contact through official phone numbers.
Officials say scam attempts often increase during periods of heightened enforcement awareness and rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into quick action.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or who has already sent money is encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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