Chesterfield County, Virginia – Scam calls impersonating sheriff’s deputies are targeting residents, prompting a public warning from local authorities.
According to the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office, people across the county have reported receiving phone calls over the past several weeks from individuals claiming to be sheriff’s office employees. The callers allegedly use different names and often tell residents they missed jury duty or owe fines for other legal matters.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the calls are scams and frequently include demands for immediate payment. Officials said requests for payment—especially through prepaid cards—are a key indicator of fraud.
The Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office stated it will never instruct someone to pay money over the phone to resolve legal issues. Deputies also do not ask residents to meet in person to make payments using prepaid cards.
Authorities said residents can verify legitimate warrants by visiting Chesterfield.gov and typing “active warrants” into the site’s search function. The online tool lists active warrants and capiases within Chesterfield County.
The warning comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide report an increase in impersonation scams targeting residents by exploiting fear of arrest or legal consequences. Officials urge anyone who receives such a call not to provide personal information or send money.
Residents who believe they may have been targeted or victimized by the scam are encouraged to contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251.
The alert may be especially relevant for students, young workers, and commuters who may be more likely to receive unsolicited calls during daytime hours.
Authorities continue to monitor reports and urge the public to share the warning with family members, particularly older adults who are frequently targeted by phone scams.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
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