Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Scammers Targeting Local Citizens with Convincing Schemes

Scammers are getting more and more clever when it comes to targeting people in Northern Nevada.  The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has been alerted to a number of local schemes to try and scam residents out of personal information and money. Below are a few examples of recent scams, please beware and protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Scam 1 “The Sheriff’s Office is calling…”:  The caller says, “Hi my name is Lieutenant (fill in the blank) with the WCSO.  The caller using the name of a former member of our staff and tries to get information from the person and advises them to schedule a court date immediately.

When asked more questions and for the caller to repeat themselves, the threats began, telling the person they will be held in contempt if they don’t do as they say. This scammer was bold enough to leave a call back number, with a voicemail identifying himself as a member of the WCSO and to call 911 if this was an emergency.  The calling number said it was from Schurz, Nevada.  

Tip:  A member of law enforcement will never threaten you.  They will not call you on the phone to get money or information.   You would receive a letter by mail if it was concerning the court system.  If a detective did contact you, they would meet you at the Sheriff's Office and not some random location.

Scam 2 “Your account has been compromised…”:  You receive a text message saying your Bank of America account was frozen or someone has charged hundreds of dollars to your Amazon account.  The text gives a link for you to respond. 

Tip: Always look for misspellings in emails, texts and links that don’t make sense.  Always call or log into your account independently of the link provided.

Scam 3 “You’re a winner…”:  Senior citizens are contacted by "Publisher's Clearinghouse" saying that they have won a hefty sum of money.  But in order to claim it, they must sign up for a credit card.  The victim in this case told Deputies he didn't file a report because he was embarrassed.

Tip:  Always file a report.  It provides law enforcement with detailed information on what strategies scammers are using and how often it is happening.  Don't be embarrassed, you might actually help solve a crime.

If someone believes they are the victim of an internet crime or scam attempt, they can go to your local law enforcement agency and file a report.  Other options are: www.ftc.gov/idtheft, call 877-438-4338 or 1-877-382-4357 to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Citizens can also always notify the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office by calling (775) 328-3001.

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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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