SCAM ALERT!!

The Scammers are at it again today!

Scammers pretend to be from the Sheriff’s Office and claim the would-be victim must pay money or be arrested. We assure you we are not calling and asking for your money to avoid a warrant!

They are even spoofing the Sheriff’s Office phone number; it’s not us!

Law Enforcement will not ask for payment over the phone to address court orders, jury duty, warrants, or other court services; this must be done at the court.

Scammers say and do things that can tell us they’re lying and are not who they pretend to be. Of course, to hear or see those clues, we must get past the panic scammers make us feel, thanks to the so-called emergencies they try to create. And since scammers are convincing, that can be hard to do. However, recent scams cost people their life savings, so here are some sure ways to spot scammers.

Things only scammers will say:

“Act now!” That’s a scam. Scammers pressure you to act quickly, leaving you no time to think.

“Only say what I tell you to say.” That’s a scam. The minute someone tells you to lie to anyone — including bank tellers or investment brokers — stop. It’s a scam.

“Don’t trust anyone. They’re in on it.” That’s a scam. Scammers want to cut you off from anyone who might slow you down.

“Do [this], or you’ll be arrested.” That’s a scam. Any threat like this is a lie.

“Don’t hang up.” That’s a scam. If someone wants to keep you on the phone while you go withdraw or transfer money, buy gift cards, or anything else they’re asking you to do: that’s a scammer. DO hang up.

And here’s a list of things that only scammers will tell you to do:
“Move your money to protect it” is a scam. Nobody legitimate will tell you to transfer or withdraw money from your bank or investment accounts, but scammers will.

“Withdraw money and buy gold bars” is a scam. Always. Every time.
“Withdraw cash and give it to [anyone]” is a scam. Doesn’t matter who they say: it’s a scam. Don’t give it to a courier, don’t deliver it anywhere, don’t send it. It’s a scam.

“Go to a Bitcoin ATM” is a scam. Nobody legitimate will ever insist you get cryptocurrency of any kind, and there’s no legitimate reason for someone to send you to a Bitcoin ATM.

“Buy gift cards” is a scam. There’s never a reason to pay for anything with a gift card.

If you see or hear any version of these phrases, you’ve just spotted a scammer. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Hang up. Delete the email. Stop texting. Block their number—anything to get away from them.