BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officers and demanding money.
According to the sheriff’s office, scammers may call or leave messages claiming to be deputies or other officers. The callers tell victims they owe fines and threaten them with arrest if they do not make a payment, often requesting gift cards.
Authorities say the scammers may use phone applications to make it appear that calls are coming from the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office or a phone number with a 304 area code. They may also use the names of real deputies or staff members in an attempt to make the calls appear legitimate.
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office says it never collects fines or payments over the phone or in person.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is advised to hang up immediately and not provide personal or financial information.
Residents who are unsure whether a call is legitimate may contact the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office directly at 304-255-9300 or visit the office at 308 Ned Payne Drive in Beckley.
The sheriff’s office says similar scams are occurring nationwide and is encouraging residents to remain alert and share the warning with others.
