MEDIA RELEASE:  SCAM ALERT

 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is advising the community of a current scam circulating in our area.

Several victims have reported a scam in which the scammer is calling community members claiming to be some sort of bondsmen that is representing a loved one who has been arrested or is in otherwise legal trouble.

The scammers ask for large sums of currency to satisfy bail or other legal requirements.

This particular scam has slightly differed from what is normally seen from these scammers. After the victim retrieves large amounts of cash the scammers are sending people directly to the victim’s home to retrieve the funds.

After funds are received several follow-up phone calls are made indicating that even more funds are needed to satisfy the requirements and they attempt to steal even more money from the victims.

When in doubt, do not give it out. The Sheriff’s Office is advising anyone who is confronted with a phone call(s) like this to not give out personal information over the phone and block the telephone number. Never give anyone currency, gift cards, or any other securities over the phone or in person.

Verify the status/well-being of the reported family member who is in “trouble” through known ways of contact.