September 6, 2024 3:30 a.m.

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

A DCSO release said deputies have once again begun receiving reports from people contacted by phone by individuals posing as DCSO employees.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said the scammer will tell the intended victim they have missed some court appearance, failed to appear for jury duty, owe fines or have a warrant for their arrest. O’Dell said eventually payment is demanded. The victim is often directed to immediately make payment or they will face consequences including arrest. O’Dell said these are tactics never utilized by legitimate law enforcement agencies.

The release said it is critically important for the community to be aware of these tactics and to share them with friends and family members, especially those who may be vulnerable to falling victim to scams, such as elderly members of the community. O’Dell said residents should not focus too much on specific scam tactics as scammers change their methods over time.

Some DCSO reminders:

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

*Scammers may use spoof programs to make the caller ID show an agency’s actual phone number

*Scammers may use the 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. O’Dell said, “The most important thing is to not send any money or agree to meet someone to make payment”.

Anyone with questions about a possible scam call, should notify dispatch at 440-4471 and ask to speak to a deputy.