Washington County – Residents are being warned to stay alert after reports of scammers impersonating sheriff’s deputies and demanding money over the phone, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, callers are falsely claiming that the person they contact has an active arrest warrant. The scammer then pressures the victim to make an immediate payment to “clear” the warrant and avoid arrest. Officials say these calls are fraudulent and part of an ongoing scam affecting communities nationwide.
Authorities emphasized that law enforcement agencies never request money over the phone, and they do not accept payments for warrants or fines through gift cards, wire transfers, mobile apps, or other electronic payment methods.
The sheriff’s office advises residents who receive a call like this to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Victims or targets of the scam are encouraged to report the incident to local law enforcement so investigators can track patterns and warn others.
Scammers often rely on fear and urgency, using official-sounding language, spoofed phone numbers, or threats of immediate arrest to pressure victims into complying. Officials say these tactics are designed to prevent people from taking time to verify the information.
Residents are urged to remind family members — especially seniors — about the scam, as older adults are frequently targeted in impersonation schemes.
Anyone unsure about a call claiming to be from law enforcement should contact their local sheriff’s office directly using a verified phone number, not one provided by the caller.
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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