Portage County, OH – The Portage County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of phone scams where callers impersonate deputies and demand payment for alleged warrants or court fines. The department issued the alert Friday, reminding residents that real officers will never call to collect money or request payment through gift cards, apps, or cryptocurrency.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are claiming to represent law enforcement and urging victims to make immediate payments to avoid arrest. Authorities say the calls have been reported by several residents in recent days, though no losses have yet been confirmed.
“Thankfully, our citizens are smart enough not to fall for it, and we appreciate those who’ve reported these recent scam calls,” the agency stated in its Facebook post.
Officials emphasize that legitimate law enforcement will never ask for fines or fees over the phone and that anyone receiving such a call should hang up immediately. Residents are encouraged to contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office at (330) 296-5100, option 9, to verify any suspicious communication.
Anyone who believes they have shared personal or financial information with a scammer should contact local authorities and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.
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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