The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to an increase in telephone scams in which criminals falsely identify themselves as law enforcement officers, court officials, attorneys, or even family members in distress.
These scams often involve callers claiming:
- You missed a court appearance, and a warrant has been issued for your arrest.
- You owe fines or fees that must be paid immediately to avoid arrest.
- A relative has been arrested and needs bail money.
- A family member has lost their wallet, passport, or money while traveling abroad and urgently needs financial assistance.
- A loved one has been involved in a traffic crash or other emergency and requires immediate funds.
These criminals rely on fear, urgency, and emotional reactions to pressure victims into sending money before they have an opportunity to verify the information.
Remember:
Law enforcement agencies do not demand immediate payment by telephone to avoid arrest. Legitimate court matters are not resolved through gift cards, prepaid debit cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment applications.
What NOT To Do
Do not provide personal, banking, or credit card information over the phone.
Do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or electronic payments based solely on a phone call.
Do not trust caller ID. Scammers can manipulate caller ID information to make it appear that the call is coming from a legitimate agency.
Do not allow the caller to pressure you into making an immediate decision.
What TO Do
Hang up immediately if the caller demands money or personal information.
Verify the claim independently. Contact the court, law enforcement agency, or family member using a telephone number you know to be legitimate.
If a caller claims to be a relative in trouble, contact that person directly or reach out to other family members before taking any action.
Discuss suspicious calls with a trusted family member or friend.
Report suspected scams to your local law enforcement agency.
These criminal scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and convincing. Taking a moment to verify information before acting can protect you, your family, and your finances.
If you believe you have been targeted by an impersonation scam, please contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at the non-emergency number and report the incident at (434) 432-7931
When in doubt, hang up, verify, and report.