Fraud Alert: Current Scam Trends

Fraud continues to affect families across our communities, and scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Right now, some of the most common trends involve fake package delivery texts, bogus bank fraud alerts, unpaid toll text scams, and impersonation schemes designed to create fear and urgency. The goal is always the same: to get your money or personal information.

The most recent trend in our community is callers identifying themselves as Law Enforcement. These callers are making statements that the individuals missed Jury Duty and that there is an active warrant for their arrest. The scammers are stating that they need to pay money in order to avoid jail. It is imperative to know that if an individual has missed Jury Duty, the proper method of service is for our Deputies to serve a physical copy of a Show Cause Order For Failure to Appear For Jury Service.

Sheriff Scott Hammonds encourages everyone to not click suspicious links, not send money or gift card information to someone you do not know, and not give personal or banking information over the phone, by text, or online unless you have verified who you are dealing with. If a message claims to be from your bank, the Post Office, or a government agency, contact that organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.

Please talk with your family members, especially the elderly, about these scams. A few minutes of conversation can prevent a major loss.