BONIFAY, Fla. (WDNews) — The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in scam phone calls involving people pretending to be law enforcement officers or federal agents.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are telling residents they missed jury duty and now have a warrant for their arrest. The caller may sound convincing and could even use the name of a real law enforcement officer or agency.
The scammers then tell victims they can avoid arrest or having the warrant served by immediately paying money. They may demand payment through gift cards, electronic payment apps, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or other methods.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office said legitimate law enforcement agencies will not call someone and demand money to prevent an arrest. Officers also will not ask someone to pay a fine, bond or fee over the phone to make a warrant disappear or avoid jail.
Officials also warned that scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to be coming from a legitimate phone number or law enforcement agency.
Residents who receive one of these calls should hang up immediately and not send money or provide personal information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, bank account information or credit card numbers.
Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate should hang up and contact their local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.
The sheriff’s office is also encouraging residents to warn family members and friends, particularly those who may become frightened or intimidated when told they have a warrant or could be arrested.
“These criminals use fear and intimidation to pressure people into making quick decisions. Do not let them rush or scare you into sending money,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials stressed that anyone receiving a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement and demanding money to avoid arrest should hang up and verify the call independently.
