Putnam County, WV – Residents are being warned after a local citizen was recently targeted in a scam involving fake arrest warrants and demands for Bitcoin payments, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, the scam begins with a phone call claiming the recipient has an active arrest warrant. In the reported case, the victim received multiple calls — one from a blocked number and another appearing to come directly from the sheriff’s office. Authorities say scammers are using caller ID spoofing to impersonate legitimate law enforcement numbers.
Investigators say the suspects then sent the victim a fake “copy” of a warrant. The document contained multiple grammatical errors, unusual formatting, and references that do not exist in real court proceedings — all key red flags identified by deputies.
The scammers also claimed the victim was under a so-called “Mobile Escort Order,” a fabricated term designed to keep victims on the phone at all times. According to the sheriff’s office, this tactic prevents victims from independently verifying the claim while scammers monitor their movements and actions.
Victims are then instructed to go to a Bitcoin ATM and send payment to “clear” the warrant. The sheriff’s office stressed this is a major warning sign.
“Under zero circumstances will law enforcement ever request monetary compensation to clear a warrant,” the agency stated.
Officials confirmed the attached warrant images circulating with the scam are completely fraudulent. Residents who receive similar calls are advised to immediately hang up and contact the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office directly using a verified phone number.
Authorities urge residents to share this warning, especially with elderly family members, who are often targeted in financial scams.
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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