(Henry County, VA) – The Henry County Sherriff’s office issued a warning to potential residents about a potential phone scam Thursday.  According to a press release from the department the caller may attempt to elicit personal information or a means of payment from the victim by claiming to be from their department. He scammers are even spoofing caller ID’s to display the name Henry County Sheriff’s Office and have a local number.  This may be done by false claims that the victim’s identity has been stolen, the victim has current criminal charges/warrants pending, the victim has a family member who has been arrested or the victim has missed jury duty.

The also say that during these calls scammers will inform victims a monetary payment would be necessary to clear the issue in question.  Verbal threats and intimidation in demanding payments is common practice.   Most requests are for monies to be wired directly to an account however gift cards have been requested at times.  Their goal is to create a sense of urgency to aid in manipulation for swifter action.

The department shared these tips to help identify these potential scam calls.

• Be suspicious if you receive an unexpected request whether it comes in the form of a telephone call, text, app message, or an email.
• Never give out personal information such as credit card or account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls. 
• Do not send money in any form. 

• Law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone. 

• If you get an inquiry from someone who claims they represent a company or a government agency seeking personal information, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book or on the company’s or government agency’s website to verify the authenticity of the request.
• Be cautious of Caller ID. Technology has made it possible for scammers to spoof or fake the number they are calling from. 

• If you are being pressured for information or threatened with jail time or fines contact local law enforcement. 

• Telephone scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov. 

• Regularly check your credit score and bank statements for unusual activity.