The Washington County Sheriff’s Office wants residents to be aware of a phone scam that is currently active in our area.
Deputies have received reports from residents stating that callers contact them claiming to be members of the sheriff's department. The caller states they need to send money or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. The current scam mentions payment may be made using a gift card.
Sometimes scams such as these will include spoofing a Sheriff’s Department phone number and using a real name of a Deputy in an attempt to gain the trust of the victim. No government agency of any kind takes gift cards as payment.
“Never give personal financial information over the phone if you didn’t initiate the call,” warns Sheriff Sexton. “When you get a call demanding money, hang up and call local law enforcement. We can put your mind at ease, especially if the caller threatens arrest.”
If you’re a Washington County resident and receive a call like the one described above, you can contact WCSO at (423) 788-1414.
Original source can be found here
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