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State Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents about an increase in government imposter scams in which callers pose as members of local county sheriff's offices and demand money to avoid arrest.
The callers use phone number spoofing to make it appear that the calls originate from legitimate county sheriff's offices, according to the Office of Attorney General.
In the scam, callers claim an arrest warrant has been issued because the victim failed to appear for federal grand jury duty or missed a court hearing. The caller then demands immediate payment for bail or bond to avoid arrest.
"Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing, but their goal remains the same -- to pressure you into sending money before you have time to verify the facts," Sunday said in a statement. "No legitimate law enforcement agency or court will demand immediate payment over the phone. If you receive one of these calls, hang up, verify the information independently, and report it."
The attorney general's office emphasized that no law enforcement agency, government office or court will request payment of fines or fees using gift cards, Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency.
Officials said warning signs of the scam include callers insisting victims remain on the phone until payment is made, directing them to withdraw cash and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM, instructing them to mislead bank employees about the purpose of the withdrawal, telling them not to discuss the matter with anyone, or providing QR codes to complete the payment.
Residents who receive such calls should hang up immediately, avoid withdrawing cash or sending money in response to unsolicited demands, and speak with someone they trust before taking any action, the attorney general's office said.
To verify whether a call is legitimate or report a suspected scam, contact the Office of Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555. Complaints may be submitted online or by email at scams@attorneygeneral.gov.