Impersonation Scams

Beware of Impersonation Scams: Fraudsters Are Posing as Sheriff’s Deputies

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office continues to receive reports of scammers contacting residents while pretending to be law enforcement officers. These schemes, known as impersonation scams, are designed to frighten victims into sending money by claiming they face immediate legal consequences.

How the Scam Works

Scammers often call residents and identify themselves as deputies with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. The caller may claim that:

• There is an outstanding warrant for the victim’s arrest.
• The victim failed to appear for jury duty or court proceedings.
• A family member or loved one has been arrested and needs money for bail.
• Immediate payment is required to avoid arrest or additional penalties.

To create a sense of urgency, scammers may use official-sounding titles, provide fake badge numbers, or even spoof phone numbers to make it appear the call is coming from a law enforcement agency.

Common Payment Demands

Victims are often instructed to send money through methods that are difficult to trace or recover, including:

• Gift cards
• Wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin
• Digital payment platforms

Once a payment is made, the scammer may demand additional funds for supposed court costs, attorney fees, fines, or other fabricated expenses. What begins as a small payment request can quickly escalate into a loss of thousands of dollars.

Know the Facts

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office wants residents to remember:

• The Sheriff’s Office does not call individuals to notify them of arrest warrants.
•  Legitimate warrants cannot be resolved by making payments over the phone, online, through gift cards, or with cryptocurrency.
•  Law enforcement agencies will never demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.
•  Never provide personal, financial, or banking information to an unsolicited caller.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a deputy and demanding money:

• Remain calm.
• Do not provide any personal information.
• Do not send money or make any form of payment.
• Hang up immediately.
• Contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office using a verified phone number to confirm the information.

Report Fraud

If you believe you have been targeted by an impersonation scam or have information about fraudulent activity, please contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at (937) 382-1611.

Staying informed is one of the best defenses against fraud. By recognizing the warning signs and sharing this information with family and friends, residents can help prevent scammers from victimizing others in our community.