GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Sheriff Bart Baker is urging residents to be aware of several fraudulent schemes targeting local citizens.
The most common scam involves callers claiming to be law enforcement officers and telling victims that a warrant has been issued for missed jury duty or court appearances.
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The perpetrators often use the names of real officers and may provide fake warrants with the victim’s name. They instruct victims to withdraw cash and send it via Bitcoin, gift cards, or other methods.
Sheriff Baker said these calls are scams and that legitimate law enforcement agencies never collect fines or bail in this manner.
Other scams include callers claiming the IRS has issued a warrant for unpaid taxes or that a Social Security number has been used fraudulently.
Sheriff Baker offered the following safety tips:
- Do not provide personal information such as date of birth, Social Security number, or banking information.
- Hang up and contact authorities using a verified phone number.
- Never send money through Bitcoin, gift cards, Western Union, or mail.
- Request a call-back number and verify the caller with local law enforcement.
- Contact local law enforcement, a magistrate, or circuit court to confirm any court-related issues.
“Any bonds, bail, or fines are collected at an actual courthouse,” Sheriff Baker said. “If there is an actual warrant for a person’s arrest, that person is arrested, processed, arraigned, and bond is set and paid at the court.”
Sheriff Baker encouraged residents to report suspicious calls and said the information is intended to prevent further victims.
