The Linn County Sheriff’s Office has received several reports of phone scammers using actual names of sheriff’s office employees and advising the victims that they have missed jury duty or they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The victims are further told that they can take care of the warrant or fine(s) by submitting a payment over the phone. Some victims have then been directed to come to the Sheriff’s Office after they have made payment in an effort to make the phone scam appear to be legitimate.
According to Captain Kent Steenblock of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, if you get a phone call similar to this, be advised this is a scam and you will be out your money. A law enforcement agency will never request payment in this manner to avoid prosecution for a fine, citation or arrest warrant by soliciting money.
“Should you receive a call similar to this JUST HANG UP,” Steenblock said. “Do not send money over the phone in an attempt to take care of a fine or warrant to keep from going to jail.
“Please note that these scammers sound very convincing and will go to great lengths to get you to give them money. When in doubt, hang up on the caller and contact your local law enforcement agency.”
It is very important to not send any money to anyone that you don’t know until you’ve confirmed the situation through an independent source and feel comfortable with it. If it’s a scam once the money is sent it’s very difficult, and most times impossible, to get it back.
If anyone thinks they may have been the victim of a phone scam they are encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.