Pender County residents are reporting an increased number of scammers contacting them and representing themselves as personnel from the Pender County Sheriff's Office. This has included contact being made by phone calls, text messages or emails regarding law enforcement, government and tech support. Scammers are requesting money to release loved ones from custody or requesting money to avoid being arrested and placed in jail for missing jury duty, unpaid fines, or failing to show up as an expert witness in a trial.
Warning signs of a scam:
- Do you know the person, number or email address that contacted you?
- Are you expecting a package or letter delivery?
- Do you have the product or have knowledge of what the caller is discussing?
- Do you know a prince in a foreign country?
Typical Scammer Phone Calls:
- No caller ID/blocked number
- Area code not local to you
- 1+ number
- "Spoofed" number calling from 910-259-1212 (Pender County Sheriff's Office)
- There are apps which allow someone to choose any number that they would like to call from. This makes it easier for scammers to use authorities numbers to commit fraud.
The Sheriff's Office Will Never Ask:
- To send money through a cash app, Apple Pay, bitcoin, gift cards, or cash points
- How much money you have in your bank account
- For your social security number or your banking information
- To remain on the phone until you've paid
Be skeptical to any contact relating to your finances!
Keep personal information personal!
Never share your social security number or banking information!
