Provo, UT – The Utah County Sheriff’s Office issued a public warning this week about a rise in scam phone calls targeting residents during the holiday season.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, callers posing as deputies have been contacting residents and demanding payment over the phone — a tactic authorities stress is never legitimate. Officials say their office will not call anyone requesting money for fines, warrants, or fees.
“The Utah County Sheriff’s Office will not call you demanding money for anything,” the department said in a social media post Tuesday. “If you receive a call that you suspect is fraudulent, hang up and contact your local law enforcement agency.”
The warning comes as scams traditionally increase in December, often preying on residents who may be distracted by holiday activities or year-end deadlines. Law enforcement encourages anyone who receives suspicious calls to verify information directly with their local agency rather than responding to demands for payment.
Residents are also urged to share the alert with elderly family members, who are often targeted by phone-based 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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