Perry Co. Sheriff warns residents about phone scammers

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

The Perry County Sheriff is warning people in the county to beware of phone scammers who are targeting the area.

Sheriff Billy Jones says the scammers are calling people pretending to be law enforcement and threatening them with jail — unless they pay.

He says the scammer tells the person called — that they have outstanding warrants and they’re going to be arrested — unless they pay a certain amount of money — or turn themselves in.

“After they ask for the money, they’ll tell them don’t look into it, you just need to turn yourself in,” said Jones.

“And then in that way they’ll feel like the victim probably will say, well, I’ll go ahead and pay the money, instead of going to jail.”

Jones says the sheriff’s department doesn’t contact people by phone about outstanding warrants.

He says if you get a call — and suspect that you’re being scammed — don’t answer any questions — or give out any information. Just record the number — hang up — and contact the sheriff’s office.

“Another technique they’re using is, they’re saying that they didn’t show up for jury duty. But I do want the people to know, that if the Perry County Sheriff’s Office do not try to contact you during the day of when you supposed to be serving on the jury, then we’re not going to contact you no time after that.”

Sheriff Jones says he wants to get the word out about the scam — to protect Perry County residents from being preyed upon — and taken advantage of.

You can reach the Perry County Sheriff’s Office — at 334-683-6534.