Spoofers demand money for false warrants
Scammers have been spoofing the phone numbers of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Columbia Police Department in an attempt to con people out of money.
The swindlers say someone has a summons or warrant but that they will make it go away if payment is sent over the phone. They’ll also say someone is in jail and needs to bond out.
Chief Deputy Jamie Singley said the procedure that the sheriff’s office uses is to serve subpoenas and summons face to face. He said if they call someone they will not ask for payments or bonds over the phone but will have people come into the office.
“When in doubt, just ask their name and say let me call you back,” he said.
Then ask for Singley, Capt. Pete Williams or Sheriff’s Secretary Karla Brown and they can confirm if it is a real call or a scam, he said.
Singley said they report the spoof calls to state and federal agencies, who investigate the calls that often originate from overseas.
“We as the sheriff’s office are not going to ask for any information over the phone. We are face to face, or you’re welcome to come into the office,” he said.
