Portage County, OH – Residents across Portage County are being warned today about an active phone scam involving callers falsely claiming to represent the Portage County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Division.
According to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are calling residents and alleging they have an outstanding arrest warrant, then demanding immediate payment to avoid jail time. Officials say the callers may identify themselves as “Lieutenant Larson” or “Mike Davis” and pressure victims to send money over the phone.
Authorities emphasized that this is a scam.
The Sheriff’s Office stated it will never call residents about outstanding warrants, and it will never demand payment of fines or fees over the phone. Officials noted that if a valid warrant exists, deputies will not make unsolicited phone calls — they will respond in person.
The warning applies countywide, including Kent, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Aurora, and surrounding communities in Portage County, part of the greater Northeast Ohio region.
Residents who are unsure about the status of a warrant are encouraged to contact the Portage County Sheriff’s Office directly at (330) 296-5100 rather than responding to unsolicited calls. Officials say staff members are available to help verify legitimate concerns.
Law enforcement urges residents to hang up immediately if they receive such calls, avoid sharing personal or financial information, and report the incident so investigators can track scam activity.
Authorities say scam attempts often increase during times of stress and rely on fear to pressure victims into acting quickly. Residents are encouraged to warn family members, especially seniors, who are frequently targeted in these schemes.
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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