For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1700108 |
| Date Issued: | Dec 06, 2017 - 11:43am |
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office releases voicemail of recent "warrant scam" attempt |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
As the Washoe County Sheriff's Office continues to receive calls from the public about a phone scam in which scammers pose as law enforcement officials, investigators are releasing a voicemail recording of one of these calls as part of effort to increase public awareness of these ongoing attempts to fraudulently obtain money or information from innocent victims.
In this case, the caller identifies himself as a "Sergeant John Scott" requesting a call back to set up an "emergency meeting."
Typically, these scammers then claim that a person is in some sort of arrears with the legal system, such as an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for jury duty. The caller then demands payment to adjudicate the situation. The scammer the provides additional instructions as to how payment should be make, usually through an "eGift" cash card, pre-paid credit card, or similar payment to a specified account or name given by the caller.
These scam artists use pre-paid phones and many times are not even in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred, making their apprehension difficult.
Although the Washoe County Sheriff's Office will sometimes make calls to inform someone about a warrant, the Office will not ask for payment over the phone or negotiate for payment in lieu of arrest. Anyone with questions about a warrant may call the courts and local law enforcement agencies.
Anyone who has suffered a loss as a result of this scam is encouraged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff's Office at (775) 328-3001 (option 7), file a report online at WashoeSheriff.com, or their local law enforcement agency.
Audio file with voicemail attached
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.
Attached audio files...