Caroline Sheriff Scott Moser says his office has received reports of an on-going scam in which suspects pose as members of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers use technology to “spoof” their phone number, so the number they are calling from appears on caller I.D. as a local phone number, and even as the Sherriff’s Office non-emergency number.
The sheriff says the scammers often identify themselves using names of actual Caroline County deputies then tell the victim that a warrant has been issued for their arrest because they missed a court date, didn’t show for jury duty, have an outstanding unpaid fine and unless they pay money immediately for bond, they will be arrested. These scammers will often request payment through gift cards, credit cards, or payment apps.
Sheriff Scott Moser said, “No employee of the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office will ever call anyone and demand money for anything. The best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim of these scammers is simply to hang up the phone. If they call back, continue hanging up on them. As always, I encourage citizens to call the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 633-5400, for assistance. Lastly, I ask that our citizens please share this message with family and friends, especially those in the elderly community, so that together we may prevent our citizens from falling victim to these scammers.”
