Hanover County, VA – Residents are being warned today after reports of phone scams in which callers impersonate the Hanover County Sheriff and threaten legal action unless immediate payment is made.
According to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, scammers have been calling residents while posing as Sheriff David R. Hines or other deputies, falsely claiming the recipient has an outstanding legal issue. Callers may say the person missed jury duty, failed to appear in court, or has a warrant, then demand payment to avoid arrest.
Officials stressed that these calls are fraudulent. The Sheriff’s Office — and Sheriff Hines personally — will never call residents to demand money, request payment over the phone, or threaten arrest to resolve a legal matter.
Authorities say the scammers often sound urgent or intimidating and may use official-sounding titles to appear legitimate. In some cases, phone numbers are spoofed to look like they are coming from the Sheriff’s Office. Victims are typically instructed to send payment using gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency — all common red flags of a scam.
Residents who receive one of these calls are advised to hang up immediately. Officials say people should not provide personal or financial information and should never send money to someone making these claims over the phone.
Anyone concerned about a call or wishing to verify information is encouraged to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office directly using its official non-emergency phone number, rather than responding to the caller.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to share this warning with friends, family, and neighbors, particularly older adults and others who may be more vulnerable to phone scams.
Officials say staying informed and cautious is one of the best ways to prevent financial loss and identity theft.
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