Police Warn of Phone Scam Resurfacing

(KNSI) — The Wright County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about ongoing COVID-19 related scams around the area.

They say the scammers are trying to contact people via phone, mail, email, and social media.

One of the latest involves a phone call that looks like it’s coming from the local police department warning whoever picks up that there is a warrant out for their arrest or they owe money to avoid being arrested. While police sometimes contact members of the public to talk about ongoing cases or other matters, the sheriff’s office says an officer would never call someone and demand money. In a rare case, where a fine may be due, they say the person would get guidance for taking care of that through the Court Administration or the Civil Warrants decision.

When in doubt, the sheriff’s office says to hang up and call them or your local police department to verify that the call is legitimate. Keep track of the date and time the call came in and what you were told. They say not to rely on the phone number you’re getting the call from because scammers can use spoofing software to make it look like the call is coming from the police department when it is coming from somewhere else.

Also, do not click on any emails from someone you don’t know and don’t open any links. The links could be a virus.

To report a scam, contact the Federal Trade Commission by clicking here or your local law enforcement agency.

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