LAKE BUTLER— The sheriff’s office said that on December 3, many Union County residents had received realistic-sounding phone calls from scammers claiming to represent the agency.
“These scam calls even spoof our phone number to make it look more realistic,” the office said. “They can even use names similar to some of our current deputy sheriffs.
The office said the scammers claimed that the residents had missed court or jury duty and that an arrest warrant was being obtained for them.
“And this is where they will try to convince you to obtain a pre-paid credit card, gift card, or digital currency,” or a money transfer the agency said. Alternatively, some callers push to get personal information from residents.
Like all law enforcement agencies, the Union County Sheriff’s Office does not call ahead before serving arrest warrants. Deputies instead drive to the defendants’ homes and take them to jail.
“Many of these calls have been traced overseas, and all the appropriate authorities are aware,” the office said. “These scammers do their best to convince you to give them your personal information and access to banking or credit card/pre-paid cards/gift cards, etc., to obtain money from you.”
Do not fall for these scams, the agency emphasized. Hang up.
