Public Service Announcement June 28, 2024
Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office
Cloned Phone Number Scam
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Please be aware that scammers have cloned the main number of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) and are using it to make calls and send text messages to individuals about missed jury duty and fraudulent “warrants.” The scammers will send a copy of their fraudulent warrant to the victims. These fraudulent warrants often contain variations of “The District of The United States of America” or “The Court System of The United States of America” at the top. Some even include the victim’s “signatures” to make it seem like the person was aware of the court date. The scammers then tell the victim to get a bondsman and go to jail to pay it and they may be arrested when they arrive. Since that option is never ideal, they propose a “civil option” to pay the fine by going to a kiosk and sending money. This money is requested as anything from gift cards, pre-paid visas, and even Bitcoin. The victim is instructed to stay on the phone with the scammer the entire time during the “civil option” to ensure the victim pays the fine and if they hang up, a deputy will be sent out immediately to arrest them.
It is important to note that the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office does not want anyone to become a victim of this scam. Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will never call you and demand payment of any kind. If you have a real warrant, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will not mail it to you. Instead, we will come to you personally hand the warrant to you, and take you into custody.
Sheriff Eric J. Levett wants to warn Rockdale citizens that scammers could access public records and use your information to appear legitimate. If someone calls you seeking money, always verify who they are and the agency they claim to be associated with. To avoid becoming a victim, simply hang up and call the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.
Thanks
Deputy C. Nesbitt
Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office