The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is issuing a critical warning to the public about a new wave of scam calls that involve sophisticated tactics, including the use of counterfeit government documents and fraudulent email links. These scams are designed to mislead individuals into providing personal information and money. Scammers are calling individuals while impersonating members of the Sheriff’s Office, claiming that the recipient has missed jury duty and must pay a fee to avoid arrest.
During the call, scammers may state they represent The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office and may express that they are following up on missed jury duty for Roanoke City Circuit Court or even U.S. District Court stating that our agency has been tasked with this outreach, creating a false sense of legitimacy.
Requests for payment vary as callers have been instructing victims to make payments via money orders, gift cards, or even cryptocurrency, with some payments reaching as high as $7,000. Unfortunately, there have been instances in the past month where victims have visited the Sheriff’s Office after making these payments, believing they were complying with a legitimate request.
Key Points to Remember:
- Verify Information: If you receive a call claiming to be from The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office or any government entity, verify the information independently. Official communications will not request payment over the phone or through email links.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal, financial, or payment information over the phone or via email, especially if you are unsure of the caller’s legitimacy.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement or your local consumer protection agency.
We want to emphasize that the Sheriff’s Office would never call residents to demand payment in this manner.
This scam is designed to instill fear and exploit our community members, and we urge everyone to be vigilant. If you receive a call like this, do not provide any personal information or payment.
To help the community stay informed and better equipped to avoid fraud and scams, the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office offers TRIAD monthly sessions. These sessions provide valuable information about various scams, personal safety, and resources available for seniors.
If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up and contact the Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office directly at 540853-2941. Remember: Do not engage with the caller or provide any personal information.