There is a scam beginning to rear its ugly head again in our area. Subjects are contacting people by telephone and identifying themselves as Jefferson County Deputies. They have just enough information to sound legitimate and the caller ID is showing ‘Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.’ Don’t fall for it!
These criminals are calling innocent citizens and advising them that they have missed a court date for themselves, as a witness or even as an expert. They are convincing the victims to go and buy pre-paid credit cards and to give them the information over the phone. This is all done under the pretenses of keeping the victim from being arrested. Here a few important tips for you to know that will help you from falling victim to these scammers:
- The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will never call you and ask for money, banking information, credit card information or any other financial information over the phone.
- If you have a warrant, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office may ask you to turn yourself in to officials. Any payment of bond would be done at the jail, NOT over the phone.
- If you receive a call from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and you believe it may be a scam, get the persons name with whom you are speaking. Hang up and call 205-325-5900 and ask to speak with that person.
- NEVER give ANYONE financial or personal information over the phone. If they are calling you about a loan or any other personal matter, they will already have all of the information they need on file.
- Report any attempted fraud to your local law enforcement agency. Call and file a report. Detectives can’t investigate these crimes if they aren’t aware.
Remember to protect your personal information. Most anyone who needs to reach you will do so by mail or another avenue that YOU set up. If you are in doubt, just ask for law enforcement’s opinion.