Multiple US Counties Warn Rising Phone Text Scams Targeting Residents

Multiple regions across the United States are warning residents about ongoing phone and text scams involving impersonation of official agencies. In Pennington County and Lynchburg, scammers pose as sheriff's office members, falsely claiming missed court appearances or warrants and demanding payments via gift cards or cryptocurrencies, tactics law enforcement agencies warn are fraudulent. Pennsylvania and other states have reported phishing scams where fraudulent texts impersonate revenue departments, aiming to steal personal and banking information under the guise of tax refunds. York County, South Carolina, is battling a text scam involving fake one-time passwords designed to trick recipients into revealing sensitive data. Additionally, Ardmore, Oklahoma, warns residents of a scammer spoofing the city hall phone number to demand immediate water bill payments, reminding citizens to verify any claims directly with official sources. Authorities nationwide emphasize never providing personal information or making payments over unsolicited calls or texts and encourage reporting suspicious contacts to appropriate agencies.