It CERTAINLY gets people’s attention, when a caller CLAIMING to be from a local law enforcement agency says you’re going TO JAIL – IF YOU DON’T settle an outstanding warrant – IMMEDIATELY.

This is a scam that we’ve seen here in Cherokee County BEFORE and now it’s popping up in neighboring Etowah County – Gadsden Police – and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office have a straightforward, and clear message for any people that may receive such calls:  Hang Up.

Both departments have recently said that they’re getting reports of scam solicitation calls being made by people – that are FALSELY claiming to be from those agencies.

Gadsden Police said callers using the name are seeking “money for fallen officers,” – but noted that the department NEVER solicits money over the phone.  The scam cited by the Sheriff’s Office, has individuals claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy or Investigator – using actual deputies’ names – and “spoofed” phone numbers that show up on your caller ID – as being from the Sheriff’s Office, are telling people that they have warrants for unpaid fines or fees for traffic tickets, missing court, missing jury duty, and so on – and they need to pay up over the phone.

The Sheriff’s Office has made it CLEAR, that it doesn’t call people seeking payment for such things or threatening legal action, and advised people to call (256) 546-2825 to report such solicitations.

Gadsden Police said that while its warrants division WILL sometimes call people it DOESN’T solicit money for fines over the phone – that’s handled entirely through Gadsden Municipal Court.

The department also offered some scam prevention tips:

• Verify the caller: If someone calls asking for money on behalf of the police department, hang up and call 256-549-4500.
• Never share personal or financial information over the phone.
• Be skeptical of urgency; scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure people into making quick decisions.
• Immediately report suspicious calls to law enforcement.

Be sure to check something out before acting, if it seems UNUSUAL in any way.

(The Gadsden Times)