Beckley, West Virginia – Scam phone calls impersonating the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office are prompting officials to warn residents about fraudulent arrest threats and payment demands.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, multiple reports have been received of individuals calling or leaving messages while claiming to be deputies. The callers allegedly tell residents they owe fines or fees and threaten arrest if payment is not made immediately.
Authorities say the scammers often request payment through gift cards and may use phone applications to make it appear as though the call is coming from the Sheriff’s Office. In some cases, the callers reportedly reference the names of real deputies or staff members to sound more convincing.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it never collects fines, fees, or payments over the phone or in person, and deputies do not threaten arrest over unpaid fines through unsolicited calls.
Residents who receive calls of this nature are urged to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Officials advise anyone unsure about a call’s legitimacy to contact the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office directly at 304-255-9300 or visit the office at 308 Ned Payne Drive in Beckley.
The department noted that similar scams are being reported nationwide, often targeting older adults, students, and working residents who may be caught off guard during the workday. Officials encourage residents to share the warning with family members and neighbors to help prevent further victims.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by the scam is encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement.
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