Calhoun County, AL – The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department has issued a crucial alert to the community, highlighting a prevalent phone scam that has left many citizens falling victim to financial losses amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. The department is urging residents to stay vigilant and informed to avoid becoming targets of these deceptive schemes.
The scam involves a series of tactics designed to convince individuals that they are dealing with legitimate law enforcement personnel. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department has outlined key warning signs to help citizens recognize and avoid falling prey to these scams.
1. Beware of Number Spoofing: Scammers are utilizing advanced Internet technology to manipulate caller IDs, making it appear as if the call is coming from an official source, such as the Sheriff’s Department. To verify the authenticity of the call, residents are advised to hang up and call back using the official number provided by the department.
2. Employee Impersonation: Scammers may claim to be employees of the Sheriff’s Office, armed with accurate information about real employees’ names and ranks. If in doubt, citizens are encouraged to hang up, independently verify the call’s legitimacy, and contact the department directly.
3. False Legal Claims: Scammers often assert that individuals have missed court appearances, owe fines, or that a loved one has been arrested, demanding immediate payment. The Sheriff’s Department emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payment through unconventional methods such as gift cards, iTunes, Cashapp, Coinstar, or any alternative payment method.
4. Payment Methods Red Flag: Legitimate government organizations, including the Sheriff’s Office, will never ask for payments through unconventional means. Bond money and fines are handled through established processes involving in-person transactions or via recognized bonding companies.
5. Extended Phone Calls During Transactions: Scammers may insist on staying on the phone throughout the entire process of gathering funds and transferring them. The Sheriff’s Department emphasizes that this is a red flag, as law enforcement agencies do not engage in such practices.
The department warns that scammers may possess personal information obtained from the internet, a technique known as social engineering, to deceive individuals into believing their legitimacy.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department underscores the difficulty in recovering funds once they are sent to scammers, especially when they operate from foreign countries. To protect the community, residents are urged to remain cautious and share this information widely to raise awareness.
“We know how hard you work for your money. If it smells funny, it probably is, and we don’t want you to become a victim,” the Sheriff’s Department stated, urging the community to be proactive in preventing financial exploitation.
