Marietta, OH – Residents across Washington County are being warned to stay alert after reports of scam phone calls falsely claiming to be from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office surfaced today.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, callers are impersonating deputies and telling victims there is an active warrant for their arrest unless immediate payment is sent or personal information is provided. Authorities emphasized that these calls are fraudulent and designed to pressure residents into handing over money or sensitive details.
The Sheriff’s Office stressed that this is a scam and clarified that real law enforcement agencies do not operate this way. Officials said warrants are never resolved over the phone, and deputies will not threaten arrest during a call. In addition, law enforcement agencies do not request payment through gift cards, mobile payment apps, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Officials urged anyone who receives one of these calls to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal or financial information. Residents are also encouraged to warn family members, especially older adults, who are often targeted in similar scams.
Washington County includes Marietta and surrounding communities in southeastern Ohio, near the Ohio River and the West Virginia border. Scams of this nature have been reported nationwide, often using spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or who has already shared information should contact local law enforcement directly using an official phone number. Reporting these incidents helps authorities track scam patterns and warn others more quickly.
Residents are reminded to stay cautious, verify any unexpected law enforcement contact independently, and share scam alerts within their community to help prevent further victims.
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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