DAYTON — After receiving multiple reports, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about phone scammers impersonating law enforcement personnel, according to a news release.
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Residents have reported receiving calls from alleged Sheriff’s Office employees in which the caller states they have a warrant out for their arrest, have missed a court date or jury duty, or have unpaid fines.
The scammers are able to clone phone numbers registered to the Sheriff’s Office so that the call appears legitimate, according to deputies.
The scammers ask the residents to provide credit card information over the phone, provide a money order, or purchase a gift card to various stores.
Another common scam, where the scammers say a family member is in jail or hospitalized, is targeting the elderly, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office stresses that it will never call residents and threaten arrest for unpaid fines, warrants or missed court dates.
Those who receive scam phone calls are urged to hang up and report the call to their local police department.