I have included a message from our Sheriff Hans Miller that should be very informative. I pray you continue to be safe and healthy.
FROM SHERIFF HANS MILLER:
We have received numerous complaints from citizens saying that they are receiving phone calls and texts from what appears to be the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office phone number, 910-455-3113. **THIS IS A SCAM!**
Citizens are telling us that the caller is identifying himself as a lieutenant with Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and that they have a warrant for the citizen’s arrest. Or, they claim they have a subpoena to serve on the citizen, and/or they have a bench warrant for failing to appear in court on a previous charge.
The caller/scammer is requesting the victim to meet them at an assigned place to take care of the issue(s), usually by way of giving the scammer money or gift cards.
Again, THIS IS A SCAM!
Onslow County Sheriff’s Office NEVER calls anyone to inform them of a warrant, subpoena, or anything else pertaining to court, warrants or subpoenas.
We have posted this in the past, but as we have had an influx of calls this week, we hope the citizens of Onslow County will help us in getting the word out.
With the help of local news and media outlets, our Facebook page and word of mouth, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office has been trying to inform citizens of scams occurring within our communities. It seems as if additional scams are discovered every year, and this year is no exception. We share this information again so that you will help spread the word, especially to citizens who may not have access to television, newspaper or social media such as our senior or disabled citizens. It is important that you know what to look out for! None of the people from your bank or financial institution, the IRS, the court system, law enforcement, creditors, ANYONE will call you over the phone requesting information from you! If you are a customer, they will already have the information. **DO NOT FALL FOR ANY OF IT** NEVER, EVER give ANY information over the phone OR ON THE COMPUTER or agree to meet the caller anywhere! If you are in doubt, make a phone call to the business the scammer is claiming to be. The incoming call could come from a different area code or even a local number that citizens don’t recognize. Many times, that number is “spoofed” and not in service. Sometimes, the incoming caller has a foreign accent, but not always. The caller may allege that the answering party owes the government a certain amount of money and that an arrest warrant will be issued unless the answering person pays that amount. Then, the caller will “offer” to collect the money by a telephonic credit card transaction and give a different telephone number for the answering party to call back. (Previous SCAMs have asked the answering party to purchase a gift card from a local vendor and pass the card number to the caller. A prior news release was made). Our national, state or local governments do NOT collect back taxes by calling citizens and asking for credit card numbers or gift cards by phone. If taxes are properly owed, notifications will be made by U.S. Mail.
Please be aware of the following scams:
“Auto Warranty SCAM.” Coming from a variety of regional and even local phone numbers.
“Jury SCAM.” A false allegation that a citizen did not report for jury duty. (Call the courthouse jury coordinator directly for verification).
A relative in police custody needing bail money, or in a medical facility needing money (known as a “Sympathy SCAM”).
“Sweepstakes or Contest or Lottery Win” SCAM. Asking for a “handling fee.” Fraud.
“Data Mining SCAM” where an unknown or unverified party asks for personal or bank account information. “Phishing.”
“Debt Consolidation Loan” offer that’s too good to be true. No free money.
“IRS Scam” claiming that you owe the IRS money and will be arrested unless you give the hacker (posing as an IRS agent) money or gift card.
Bank Account Service Update Scam (claiming your account needs updating, when they are really trying to steal information and access your money)
Social Security Scam (like the bank account scam; they try to get you to update your information so they can steal your identity)
“Arrest Warrant” Scam (claiming there is a warrant for your arrest, and you will go to jail unless you pay the caller (usually in gift cards)
“Electric Company” Scam, claiming your electricity will be disconnected unless you pay the caller a fee
Please protect yourself, your family, your property and even your friends & neighbors. Please be careful to VERIFY before you trust.
FOR the people, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Serving with Honor & Integrity.
God bless you
Randy Butler
Sgt. OCSO (ret.)