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Phone Call and Text Message Scam Using the Sheriff’s Name

  • Writer: Scioto County Sheriff's Office
    Scioto County Sheriff's Office
  • Jul 30, 2021
  • 2 min read

NEWS RELEASE

July 30, 2021




Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman stated that his Office is continuing to be contacted by

citizens, advising of a scam. The Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating calls made to Scioto County residents, claiming to be employees of the Sheriff’s Office. Residents are also receiving voice messages; a sample of the voice message is being provided.


The caller is asking people to go to Walmart and purchase numerous pre-paid gift cards. The caller then advises the resident to send them the info on the cards, to avoid having a warrant issued for their arrest.


The voice message states in part that they are calling “…concerning some legal matters…”. Both of these are scams and should be ignored.



Here are Four Signs That It’s a Scam;


1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.

Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official.


Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company or even a charity asking for donations. They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID. So the name and number you see might not be real.


2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.

They might say you’re in trouble with the government. Or you owe money. Or someone in your family had an emergency. Or that there’s a virus on your computer.


Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify some information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay a fee to get it.


3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you cannot check out their story.


They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, or take away your driver’s. They might even say your computer is about to be corrupted.


4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.


Sheriff Thoroughman would like to remind everyone to never pay someone who insists you pay with a gift card or by using a money transfer service. And, never deposit a check and send money back to someone. Stop and talk to someone you trust.


Before you do anything else, tell someone — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — what happened. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.

 
 
 

12 Comments


wiyam91253
Jun 11

Scams that use trusted names and official-looking messages remind us how important it is to stay alert when making decisions. Whether someone is protecting personal information or running a company taking a careful and informed approach can prevent costly mistakes. Interestingly this same principle applies in the business world where decision-makers must regularly evaluate financial risks operational challenges and long-term growth opportunities.


As organizations grow managing finances becomes more complicated than simply tracking income and expenses. Business owners often need deeper insights into cash flow forecasting budgeting and profitability. This is one reason many companies start exploring the role of a virtual cfo. Rather than relying only on basic financial reporting businesses can gain access to strategic guidance that helps…


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wiyam91253
Jun 11

Phone scams that misuse official names can remind us how important it is to verify information before making decisions. Whether it involves personal security financial matters or even product selection taking time to understand the details often leads to better outcomes. Interestingly this same principle applies in the food manufacturing industry where choosing the right ingredient can significantly affect the quality and performance of a finished product.


Another factor to consider is that many ingredients may appear similar at first glance yet they serve very different purposes. This connects to the ongoing discussion about sweeteners and how manufacturers evaluate them based on functionality rather than sweetness alone. When examining different sweetening solutions one of the most frequently discussed options is…


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wiyam91253
Jun 10

News about scams involving fake phone calls and text messages that misuse the sheriff’s name serve as an important reminder about the value of vigilance and proper recordkeeping. Whether dealing with personal matters or professional responsibilities staying organized and verifying information before taking action can help prevent costly mistakes. Interestingly this same principle applies in the business world where accurate financial management is essential for long-term success.


As businesses grow owners often find themselves handling more responsibilities than they originally anticipated. Managing invoices tracking expenses preparing reports and ensuring compliance can quickly become overwhelming. This is one reason many organizations begin exploring accounting and outsourcing services as a way to streamline operations and improve efficiency. By delegating routine financial tasks…


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wiyam91253
Jun 08

While staying informed about scams and protecting personal information is important health awareness is another area that deserves equal attention. Many people spend time learning how to safeguard their finances and family members from fraud but they also recognize the value of protecting physical well-being through informed lifestyle choices.


Interestingly this connects to a stage of life when support and reliable information become especially important—motherhood. After childbirth women often experience significant physical and emotional changes that require patience care and proper nourishment. Family members frequently focus on the newborn's needs yet a mother's recovery plays a vital role in the overall well-being of both mother and child.


Another factor to consider is the growing awareness around a postnatal diet for…


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emma smith
emma smith
May 15

A friend recently suggested trying Goa Games Login because I was complaining about how many gaming platforms online become slow during longer sign-in sessions on mobile devices after some usage. Yesterday night while relaxing at home, I spent quite a while exploring menus, switching between sections, and checking navigation speed continuously from my phone. Thankfully, the account access process stayed stable throughout usage and even after carefully browsing multiple pages there were fewer loading interruptions compared to several similar gaming apps I have tried recently online.

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