The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of two scams where the scammers pose as a deputy and an attorney.
The first scam involves someone posing as a Grayson County Sheriff’s Office deputy.
“It is a common scam where the caller will use one of our deputy’s names and tell you that you failed to report for a ‘federal subpoena,’” Sheriff Norman Chaffins said.
The scammer then asks the target to pay a fine or court costs and threatens arrest if the target doesn’t comply.
“These scams can be convincing,” Chaffins noted.
The sheriff said that if the target of the scam does not answer the initial call, the scammers will leave a message prompting the target to return the call.
“You will get their answering service stating that they are with the Civil Process Service Division and for you to leave a message,” according to the sheriff. “Eventually, the conversation will direct you to go get a money card, cash app, Venmo or even directly deposit a certain amount into one of their accounts.”
The sheriff encouraged citizens to “TELL THEM TO KICK ROCKS AND USE ANY OTHER ADJECTIVES THAT YOU SEE FIT.”
Chaffins asked that residents please note the following:
- No police agency in Grayson County will EVER ask you to pay any fines over the phone.
- No police agency in Grayson County will ever threaten to arrest you over the phone for not appearing for a subpoena. We may ask you to come into the office rather than be served at work or home, but we will NOT demand money.
- No Police agency in Grayson County will ask you to use a cash app or other avenue to send money for anything.
- No police agency in Grayson County has a Civil Process Service Division.
- If they are so convincing that you feel compelled to send money, please call the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office first at 270-259-3024, or have the scammer call us.
Scam: Thief poses as attorney
Recently, Sgt. Jason Luedke and Chaffins foiled an attempt to steal nearly $20,000 from an elderly Grayson County resident.
“This scam involved an ‘attorney’ calling an elderly mother stating that her ‘son’ had been in a car crash and was on his phone when he caused the crash,” Chaffins said. “The ‘attorney’ then stated that her son was arrested and currently incarcerated and needed bail money to get him out.”
The scammer was attempting to steal $18,000.
“Our citizen went to the bank, withdrew the money and went home and was waiting for a ‘courier’ to contact her to get the cash,” according to the sheriff.
The intended victim’s real son happened to call and check on his mother during this time, which prompted the sheriff’s office to visit the woman’s home. Police then drove the intended victim to her bank where she deposited the money back into her account.
“Please know that if you have a loved one that is incarcerated and they have a bond, YOU SHOULD go to the place where they are (being held) to bond them out,” Chaffins urged residents. “NEVER send or give cash to anyone unless you know who they are AND you have confirmed that they are reputable, no matter whom they claim to be.”
Chaffins said that “if you are ever in doubt or something just does not seem right,” please contact the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office at 270-259-3024 or your local law enforcement agency.
(Photo: Grayson Co. Sheriff Noman Chaffins, courtesy of the sheriff’s office)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
