Sheriffs Warn After Families Lose Thousands to Scam

Law enforcement agencies in Dorchester County (SC), Lucas County (OH), Clark County (NV) and Yavapai County (AZ) are warning of phone and text scams in which callers impersonate deputies, jail staff or county officials to demand money or threaten arrest. Reported losses include a Dorchester resident defrauded of more than $7,000 and a Lucas County woman who sent $2,250.72 via Zelle and was later asked for an additional $1,800; Yavapai has logged numerous impersonation reports but so far no confirmed financial losses. Investigators say scammers are using public jail records, spoofed or Google-based phone lines and claims about bail, warrants, special programs or “no call, no show” issues to pressure relatives and friends of inmates. Sheriff’s offices emphasize they will never call, text or email to request money for bonds, releases, fines or programs and advise victims to hang up, not share personal or financial information, and report incidents to local authorities. Authorities urge victims to report attempts to their non-emergency lines (Dorchester: 843-832-0300; Lucas: 419-255-8443) while agencies investigate, warn the public on social media and are altering how records are published online to reduce targeting.