If you get a call warning of a subpoena from the Sheriff’s Office, you’re being scammed. That’s the simple message from Sheboygan County Sheriff Matt Spence, but the bad actors are doing a good job of disguising their criminal intent.
The latest scam going around is using the Sheriff Department’s real phone number through technology called “spoofing” that can make the call appear official. The callers are identifying themselves as Sergeant Walter or Sheriff Spence. The scam is “notifying” citizens they have failed to appear for court and there is a subpoena for their arrest. The attempt to defraud is then set by claiming that because the court date was missed they will owe payment, due in bitcoin, to satisfy their warrant and avoid arrest.
The reminder from the Sheriff here – and those in the many other Counties experiencing these calls, is that no legitimate police agency will ever contact you and request bitcoin, and if you get such a call, just hang up. But if you have fallen for the scam, contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.
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