Fayette County Sheriff Mike Fridley went live on the department’s Facebook page this afternoon to update the community on a rash of phone scams that have been plaguing the area.
Sheriff Fridley said that the scammers have been calling citizens using phone numbers associated with local law enforcement and the county courthouse as well as State Troopers. He went on to say that he had been contacted by two friends stating that they had received a scam call from his department cell phone number.
These calls ask the recipient for money claiming various fees need to be paid. Some even state that the person will go to jail if they do not pay. Sheriff Fridley advised that the best course of action is to either hang up and call the number back or ask for the person’s name and title, hang up and then contact the organization directly. The Sheriff also emphasized that county officials will not call and ask for cash or for someone to pay by credit card over the phone.
If anyone in the county receives one of these scam calls, they can report it to the Sheriff’s Department. They can ask for the Sheriff or Chief Deputy He also noted that any deputy on duty will be able to handle the call. Sheriff Fridley advised that there is not much that they can do about them, but they can make note of them.
The West Virginia Daily News will provide updates on this situation as more information becomes available.
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