Residents of Chattooga County are once again being targeted by a prevalent phone scam, with callers falsely identifying themselves as local law enforcement officers to solicit money. Sheriff Mark Schrader issued a stern warning this week, urging citizens to remain vigilant and not fall victim to these deceptive tactics.

According to Sheriff Schrader, scammers are making unsolicited calls, impersonating investigators or deputies from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. These fraudsters are informing unsuspecting individuals that they have an outstanding warrant for their arrest. The scammers then apply pressure, attempting to coerce victims into paying to resolve these fabricated warrants, often demanding payment through unconventional methods such as cryptocurrency (Bitcoin), money orders, or at ATMs.

“It’s going around again!” Sheriff Schrader stated in a public notice. “Scammers claiming to be Investigators and deputies with the sheriff’s office saying you have a warrant. Please do not respond to them, simply hang up. We will not call you and offer to let you pay your warrant over the phone. Please, please do not fall for this.”

The Sheriff emphasized that no legitimate law enforcement agency, including his own, will ever request monetary payments over the phone or offer to clear warrants through such means, especially not via cryptocurrency.

“Please be cautious of anyone who tries to get you to send money via Bitcoin,” Schrader continued. “We have had several cases where the caller identifies as Law Enforcement and has the victim go to a store and send money via a Bitcoin ATM. If you have any questions on a call you receive, please call your local law enforcement agency.”

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is strongly advising residents to:

  • Hang up immediately if they receive a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement demanding payment for an outstanding warrant.
  • Never provide any personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
  • Report any suspicious calls to the Sheriff’s Office.

“No law enforcement agency will request payments via Bitcoin or solicit payments over the phone,” a reminder from the Sheriff’s Office reiterated.

Residents who suspect they may have been targeted by this scam, or who wish to verify the legitimacy of a call purportedly from law enforcement, are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office directly at (706) 857-3411.