The digital age has brought many conveniences, but it has also given rise to new scams. One of the latest involves scammers impersonating local sheriff’s offices or court officials. These con artists are becoming increasingly convincing, and it’s essential to stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones.

How the Scam Works:

Imagine receiving a call or message from someone claiming to be from your local sheriff’s office or court. The caller might say there’s a warrant out for your arrest or that you’ve missed jury duty and now need to pay a penalty. The threat of jail time or legal trouble can be terrifying, which is exactly what these scammers are counting on to pressure you into paying immediately.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Urgent Demands for Payment: Legitimate authorities do not demand immediate payment over the phone or via email.

2. Threatening Language: Be wary of threats of arrest or severe penalties if you don’t comply immediately.

3. Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers often ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

If you receive one of these alarming messages, don’t panic. Here’s how to handle the situation

• Stay Calm: Scammers rely on fear to pressure you into quick decisions. Take a deep breath and think logically.

• Do Not Provide Personal Information: Never give out personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.

• Verify the Caller: Look up the real number for the government agency or office the caller claims to represent. Use this verified contact information to reach out directly and confirm if there is a legitimate issue.

Steps to Protect Yourself

• Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is key. Share this information with friends and family to ensure they know how to spot the scam.

• Report the Scam: If you’ve been targeted, report the incident to local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest scam alerts from trusted sources like the FTC or your local government.

Conclusion

By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from these malicious schemes. Remember, legitimate government officials will never pressure you to make immediate payments over the phone.

Stay safe and vigilant!

Need to report a Scam?

You can go to reportfraud.ftc.gov to report anything you think may be a fraud, scam, or bad business practice. For ideas of what you might report to the FTC, check out consumer.ftc.gov for more information and advice, or take a look at the FTC's latest cases at ftc.gov.