Josephine County residents are urged to stay vigilant as a new scam has emerged, preying on unsuspecting individuals who receive calls from scammers posing as representatives of the Sheriff’s department. The fraudsters employ various tactics, claiming that the recipients owe fines, have outstanding warrants, or have missed jury duty, all in an attempt to coerce them into sending money.
One distinguishing feature of this scam is the use of a spoofed phone number, making it appear as if the call is genuinely coming from the Sheriff’s office. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Department is issuing a stark warning to residents: if you receive such a call, hang up immediately and refrain from providing any personal or financial information.
The Sheriff’s office emphasized that the department does not conduct business or solicit funds over the phone for fines, warrants, or any legal matters. If individuals genuinely have a warrant, the Sheriff’s office will handle the matter through official, in-person channels, not over the phone.
The scammers’ ploy relies on instilling fear and urgency, pressuring victims to act swiftly to avoid fictitious consequences. By creating a sense of impending legal trouble, the fraudsters hope to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or making immediate payments.
Residents are advised to be cautious and share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be vulnerable to such scams. Additionally, it is essential to report any suspicious calls or attempts at scamming to local law enforcement to help authorities track and apprehend these criminals.
As technology evolves, scammers continue to devise new schemes, making it crucial for the community to stay informed and remain vigilant against these fraudulent activities. By spreading awareness about the current scam involving fake Sheriff’s department calls, Josephine County aims to empower its residents to protect themselves from falling victim to such deceptive practices.
