A new phone and video scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers is on the rise, and the Carson City Sheriff's Office is warning its residents not to become victims.
According to the Carson City Sheriff's Office, scammers are making contact with residents through phone calls or Facetime Video calls.
Deputies say at times, the scammer, as a means of intimidating the caller, is wearing a uniform or presenting some form of fake ID badge to make their claim more believable.Â
They say the scammers are posing as deputies or police officers from various agencies to steal personal information or extort money.
Deputies say the scammers are using a spoofed phone number(s) that make it appear as if they are calling from a legitimate law enforcement agency.Â
Deputies say the callers will make a demand for payment in exchange for not arresting the person for an outstanding warrant, unpaid fines, or claim that the person is under investigation.
Deputies say the scammers often pressure the caller to make immediate payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to avoid an arrest.Â
The Carson City Sheriff's Office says that genuine law enforcement agencies will not contact people via phone demanding payment instead of arrest.
They will not demand payment over the phone or Facetime video for payment of fines, warrants, or fees, and they never demand payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Â
CCSO says that if you receive such a call or Facetime video or are unsure whether a call is legitimate, do not provide any personal information, hang up, and contact the agency directly using their official phone numbers.Â
The Sheriff's Office says if you or anyone believes they have been a victim of a scam or need further information, they encourage you to call the Carson City Sheriff's, Investigations Division at 775-887-2020.
