MANITOWOC – Manitowoc County residents are being warned about a phone scam in which callers pose as sheriff’s deputies and detectives, pressuring people to send money by falsely claiming they face arrest.
The Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office said it has received several reports of scammers telling residents they have an active warrant, missed jury duty or owe money and must pay immediately to avoid being taken into custody.
How the scam works
Officials said the sheriff’s office will never call to demand money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or any other form of payment. The agency also does not tell people to pay to clear a warrant or avoid arrest.
Scammers may sound convincing, use the names of real deputies or detectives, or spoof phone numbers to make the calls appear to come from law enforcement, officials said.
What residents should do
Residents who receive one of these calls should not provide personal or financial information.
They also should not send money or make any form of payment.
Instead, they should hang up immediately and contact local law enforcement.
Incidents can be reported to Manitowoc County Dispatch at 920-683-4201. Officials urged residents to share the warning with family and friends, especially older adults who are often targeted in scams.
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Fake sheriff calls prompt warning in Manitowoc County
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
