The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to the community regarding a series of phone scams that have been reported. In these incidents, individuals are fraudulently using the department’s phone number to impersonate law enforcement officers. Reports indicate that these scammers are contacting residents, claiming to be deputies from the sheriff’s office, and informing them that there is a warrant out for their arrest due to a missed court appearance.
The con artists then advise the victims that they can avoid jail time by making a payment. They instruct the individuals to withdraw a specific sum of money from their bank accounts and direct them to a nearby cryptocurrency kiosk located in a convenience store, where they can transfer the funds to a designated account. What makes this scam particularly deceptive is that the perpetrators utilize an application that allows their calls to appear as if they are coming directly from the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, displaying the same phone number.
It is important to note that the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office will never initiate a phone call regarding warrants or request any form of payment over the phone. If you happen to receive such a call, it is crucial to hang up immediately and report the incident by contacting the sheriff’s office at 256-760-5757. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these fraudulent schemes.