The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam involving callers posing as corrections officers, sheriff’s deputies, or other law enforcement personnel.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers may claim that the person receiving the call, or one of their loved ones, has an outstanding bond, warrant, or other legal matter. The caller may then demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or additional consequences.
Scammers may request payment over the phone, through gift cards, cryptocurrency, money transfers, or other unusual payment methods.
The Sheriff’s Office says law enforcement will not demand immediate bond payment over the phone using threats or intimidation.
Residents are also being warned not to provide Social Security numbers, banking information, passwords, gift card numbers, or other personal information to unsolicited callers.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and independently contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office using an official phone number to verify the information.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should contact their local law enforcement agency and financial institution as soon as possible.
The Sheriff’s Office also warns that scammers can spoof phone numbers and may already have basic information about a person or their family. Having that information does not mean the call is legitimate.
Residents are encouraged to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to phone scams.
When in doubt, hang up and verify.