Walker County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Active Jury Duty Scam

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about another active scam after multiple citizens reported receiving fraudulent calls from people pretending to be Sheriff’s Office employees.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the callers tell residents they have missed jury duty and now have a warrant for their arrest. The scammers then claim the supposed warrant or other legal issue can be resolved by paying money.

In some cases, victims are instructed to purchase Green Dot cards or use other methods to send payment.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office says the calls are fraudulent and emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office will not call residents and demand money to resolve a warrant or missed jury duty.

Officials are urging residents not to send money to anyone they do not know, regardless of how convincing or urgent the caller may sound.

Anyone receiving one of the calls who is uncertain whether it is legitimate can contact the Walker County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the information before taking any action.

The warning comes as law enforcement agencies continue to see scammers impersonating officers and government employees in an effort to frighten victims into making immediate payments.

 

Jury Duty Scam Continues To Target Northwest Georgia Residents

Northwest Georgia residents are being warned about a convincing telephone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and claim the person receiving the call failed to report for jury duty and now faces arrest.

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North Georgia EMC Warns Members About Disconnect Scam Calls And Texts

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North Georgia EMC is warning its members to be on alert for scam phone calls and text messages threatening to disconnect electric service.

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Georgia Corrections Warns Families About Bond And Prison Release Scams

The Georgia Department of Corrections is warning families across the state about two scams involving false demands for money following an arrest or before an inmate’s release from prison.

In the first scam, callers claim to represent a sheriff’s office and contact the families of people who were recently arrested and released from a county jail. The callers falsely say that additional bond money, court costs or other fees must be paid.

The second scam targets families of people currently incarcerated. In those cases, callers claim to work for a sheriff’s office, probation or parole and falsely state that payment is required before the inmate can be released from prison.

State corrections officials believe the calls are being made by inmates using contraband cell phones.

The Georgia Department of Corrections says legitimate law enforcement agencies, probation officers and parole officers do not demand payment over the phone to secure someone’s release. They also do not require payment through gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or other immediate payment methods.

Anyone receiving this type of call should not provide personal or financial information. Hang up and contact the sheriff’s office, probation office, parole office or correctional facility directly using an official phone number.

Georgia Inmate Accused of Posing as Deputy in Phone Scam

Authorities in Florida say a Georgia prison inmate has admitted to posing as a sheriff’s deputy in a phone scam that stole money from a Palm Coast, Florida resident.

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Sheriff Warns Residents About Phone Scam Targeting Chattooga County

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents about a phone scam targeting local citizens.

According to Sheriff Schrader, the Sheriff’s Office received four reports in one day from residents who were contacted by scammers claiming money was owed for missed court dates, civil matters, or bond-related issues. In one case, a victim reportedly lost $2,000.

Sheriff Schrader emphasized that the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and other legitimate law enforcement agencies, will never call residents and demand payment over the telephone. Law enforcement will not ask anyone to put money on gift cards, prepaid cards, or any other type of card to resolve court issues or bond someone out of jail.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up and contact law enforcement directly using a verified phone number. Sheriff Schrader is asking the public to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims.

Summerville Woman Reports Harassing Messages, Police Warn Of Possible Scam

A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.

According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.

The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.

The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.

Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.

Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.

No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.

Mentone Woman Loses $25,000 in Bitcoin Scam After Receiving Fraudulent Phone Calls

The Summerville Police Department is investigating a fraud case after a woman reported losing $25,000 in a scheme involving callers who falsely claimed her bank account had been compromised.

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Georgia Power Warns Customers About Active Utility Scams

Georgia Power customers are being warned about active scams involving people pretending to represent the utility company.

Scammers may contact customers by phone, text message, fake websites, or even door-to-door visits, claiming a bill is overdue and threatening immediate disconnection unless payment is made right away.

Georgia Power says customers should be especially cautious if someone demands payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, or similar methods. The company says it does not collect payments door-to-door and does not demand those types of payments.

Customers should also watch for fake caller ID information and lookalike websites designed to steal personal or payment information.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call or visit should hang up, avoid giving out personal information, and verify the request by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting GeorgiaPower.com.

Customers approached at home by someone suspicious should also contact local law enforcement.

Walker County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam Calls

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The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of scam calls from people falsely claiming to be employees or officers with the agency. According to the sheriff’s office, callers are telling victims they missed jury duty and now have a warrant, while also making it appear the call is coming from the sheriff’s office main phone line.

Officials say the Walker County Sheriff’s Office does not operate this way and is urging the public not to give out personal information or send money to anyone they do not know. Anyone with questions about the calls is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office directly at 706-670-1931.