Authorities Warn of Nationwide Scam Impersonating Deputies

Authorities across multiple states are warning the public about a surge in scams involving individuals impersonating sheriff's deputies. In Kern County, California, and Petersburg, Virginia, scammers are calling residents, claiming they missed court dates or legal appointments and demanding payment under threat of arrest, often using urgent language and spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate. Some victims in Petersburg have lost thousands of dollars, and officials stress that law enforcement will never request money over the phone. In Orangeburg County, South Carolina, scammers posing as real deputies are attempting to obtain personal or employee information, likely for identity theft, prompting warnings not to share sensitive data with unsolicited callers. Officials in all affected areas urge residents to verify suspicious calls with their local sheriff’s office and to report any such incidents immediately. These scams are characterized by a sense of urgency, threats, and requests for payments or personal information, highlighting the need for vigilance.