Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office warns of phone scams impersonating deputies, jail

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office warned that scammers are calling people across the area while pretending to represent the Sheriff’s Office or the jail. The callers may use real deputies’ names and manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to come from a government number, according to the office’s announcement.

The office said scammers may claim a person has a warrant or missed jury duty and threaten arrest unless a fine is paid immediately. The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office said it will never call and demand payment to clear a warrant or missed jury summons.

Another scam involves a caller claiming that a loved one is in jail and needs bond money. The announcement advised residents to hang up and contact the Lafayette County Detention Center directly to confirm whether the person is in custody and to receive the correct bond-posting instructions.

Warning signs include demands for payment by gift card, prepaid card, wire transfer, Cash App, Venmo, Zelle or cryptocurrency. Other red flags include pressure to pay immediately or remain on the line, threats of arrest for hanging up, and instructions not to tell anyone or contact anyone else.

The Sheriff’s Office advised residents to look up an agency’s official phone number independently rather than use a number supplied by a caller. Residents also should not provide personal or financial information to unexpected callers.

Anyone who believes they were contacted by a scammer or lost money in a scam is advised to contact the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office or a local law enforcement agency.

Source: Original source announcement