The scam caller identifies themself as “Sergeant Howard, of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office." — Scam callers are impersonating the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office, authorities warn.
A press release shared by Sheriff Tony Guy and Chief Deputy Paul Radatovich on Tuesday said they and others at the office had been notified of reports of several suspicious calls.
The scam caller identifies themself as “Sergeant Howard, of the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office” and tells the victim they are following up on a federal court subpoena where the victim failed to show.
The caller continues, saying the victim needs to report to the courthouse immediately and needs to pay a fine, or else they will be arrested. Once the victim agrees to go to the courthouse, the caller hangs up, then calls back and threatens to tase the victim and throw them on the floor. This is followed by an offer to pay the fee without coming into the building. The caller then gives the victim several means to pay money so that they can illegally obtain it.
“The intention of the scammer is to scare the victim, with one of the aforementioned lies, into paying the amount they have claimed is owed. They are trying to access bank account information, PayPal-type account number, gift card numbers or credit card numbers,” the press release said.
Officials stress the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone.
Residents who receive calls claiming the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for them is encouraged to call the office directly at 724-770-4602 or to call Beaver County Emergency Services at 724-775-0880.
Authorities remind residents to never provide personal information over the phone when receiving calls. The Beaver County Sheriff’s Office also shared the following tips for combating this current scam:
- If you have any questions as to the legitimacy of the call, get the individual’s name and position, hang up and then obtain legitimate contact information for the company/agency through independent means, and re-contact them.
- NEVER provide credit card information, Social Security numbers, your date of birth, bank information, gift card numbers, etc. to anyone with whom you have not initiated the call.
- Note any telephone number of the caller displayed on your caller ID. Beware, however, that many scammers “spoof” the numbers of a legitimate entity to make you think the call is from who they claim to be.
- Document the conversation with the suspect.
- Disconnect without providing any financial and/or personal information.
- Criminals are able to access much of our personal information simply with the use of personal computers and websites.
- Please share this information with friends, relatives and neighbors in an effort to prevent them from becoming a victim.
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