GREENBRIER COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) — Greenbrier County Sheriff Bart Baker is urging residents to be vigilant and aware of several fraudulent schemes circulating in the area that have already victimized multiple individuals.
According to Baker, the most prevalent scam currently involves perpetrators impersonating law enforcement officers. Victims report receiving calls from individuals claiming to be police officers who inform them that there is a warrant for their arrest due to missed jury duty or a failure to appear in court. The scammers often use the names of actual law enforcement officers to appear legitimate.
Baker stated that these perpetrators then instruct victims to withdraw money and send it to them via Bitcoin or gift cards. Through threats and intimidation, the scammers coerce their targets into sending funds. Recent victims have been directed to purchase Bitcoin through kiosks and transfer it to a specific account. Once the money is sent via these methods, recovery is virtually impossible.
Baker emphasized that these tactics are not used by legitimate law enforcement agencies. Bonds, bail or fines are collected at an actual courthouse. If a valid arrest warrant exists, the individual is arrested, processed, arraigned and any bond is set and paid at the court. The fraudulent callers may even send fake warrant images bearing the victim’s name to appear convincing.
Other reported scams include calls from individuals claiming to be from the IRS regarding unpaid taxes or alleging fraudulent use of the victim’s Social Security number, all demanding immediate payment.
Baker provided the following tips for residents who receive such suspicious calls:
Do not provide any personal information, such as date of birth, Social Security number, banking details, credit card numbers or address.
Hang up immediately and contact authorities using a phone number you know to be genuine.
Inform the caller that you will report to your local courthouse to address the issue and then hang up.
Never send money via Bitcoin, gift cards, Western Union, money transfers or mail cash. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not request payment through these methods.
Ask for a call-back number, hang up and then contact local law enforcement to verify if the call is a scam.
Always contact local law enforcement before sending any money to an unknown caller.
Residents can always contact their local law enforcement, Magistrate Court or Circuit Court to confirm if they have missed a court appearance.
Baker hopes this information will help educate the public and prevent further victimization. He encourages anyone with questions or who needs assistance to contact his office.
