Etowah County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents of Ongoing Phone Scam

ETOWAH COUNTY — The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a phone scam currently circulating in the area, where individuals are posing as law enforcement officers in an attempt to solicit money.

According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the scammers are impersonating deputies and using scare tactics — including threats of arrest for allegedly missing jury duty — to pressure victims into making payments. The callers often claim that payment can prevent the victim from being taken into custody.

Officials emphasize that these calls are fraudulent and that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever contact citizens to demand money over the phone.

“This is a scam,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office will never call and demand payment or request any form of money to avoid arrest. We do not collect fines, fees, or bail money over the phone under any circumstances.”

Citizens who receive such calls are urged to hang up immediately and avoid giving out personal or financial information.

Authorities are also asking the public to help spread the word—particularly to elderly friends and relatives, who may be more susceptible to these types of schemes.

“Stay safe and stay informed,” the Sheriff’s Office advised.

Anyone with concerns or who believes they may have been targeted by this scam should contact the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office directly.