February 19, 2024 11:00 a.m. 

Scammers are posing as officials with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in an effort to scam community members out of money.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said deputies have once again begun receiving reports from people contacted by individuals posing as DCSO employees. O’Dell said the scammer will tell the intended victim they have missed a court appearance, owe fines or have a warrant for their arrest, and then demand payment. The victim is often directed to immediately make payment or they face consequences including arrest. O’Dell said these are tactics that are never utilized by legitimate law enforcement agencies.

O’Dell said it’s critically important that the community be aware of these tactics and share them with family and friends, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to the scams, such as elderly residents.

O’Dell said the methods scammers use change over time:

*Scammers can easily obtain new phone numbers and will change them often

*Scammers may use “spoof” programs to make Caller ID show an agency’s actual phone number

*Scammers may use names of actual DCSO employees to make the call seem legitimate

*Scammers may obtain personal information about a victim online including their name, address, phone number, and the names of others in the home

*Scammers may initially contact victims by mail, email or through social media

O’Dell said due to the technology used in the scam – and the fact that scammers can be located anywhere in the world – it is virtually impossible to track the scammers or to get money back.

Anyone with questions about a possible scam call should contact dispatch at 440-4471 and ask to speak with a deputy. O’Dell said, “The most important thing is to not send any money or agree to meet someone to make payment”.