Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office joins the growing list of local law enforcement agencies urging citizens to be aware and careful of scammers and their new methods. The latest of which seems to be impersonating law enforcement themselves.

The fraudulent callers will claim that there are federal warrants out for the called person’s arrest and will demand immediate payment to avoid legal consequences.

Those who receive these calls would do well to take heed of the advice of the Sheriff’s Department.

Stay Calm: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, take a deep breath and remain calm. Scammers often use fear tactics to pressure their victims.

Verify Their Identity: Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not make unsolicited phone calls demanding money. Ask for their badge number, name, and the agency they represent. Hang up if they refuse to provide this information.

No Payment Over the Phone: Law enforcement will never ask you to pay fines or fees over the phone using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. If anyone insists on immediate payment, it’s a scam.

Protect Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information (such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers) with unknown callers. Scammers can use this information for identity theft.

Hang Up: If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately. Do not engage in further conversation. Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency.

Remember, you have rights.
Genuine law enforcement officers will follow proper legal procedures and will not threaten or coerce you over the phone. If you encounter such a call, report it to your local police department or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Let’s spread the word and protect our community from these fraudulent schemes. Share this message with your friends and family to raise awareness. Together, we can stay vigilant and prevent financial losses due to scams.

Stay safe, stay informed, and hang up on scammers!