Sept. 13, 2018 – Washington Co., WI 0- On Sept. 12, 2018 the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of numerous suspicious phone calls that were made to citizens throughout southeast Wisconsin in which the caller claimed to be a member of our agency.
The scammers are identifying themselves by using actual names of deputies in our agency. The scammers are telling citizens that there is an open civil case against them or that there is an active warrant out for their arrest and that they should call immediately.
In at least one case a citizen was told to go and purchase gift cards. The number provided to the citizens is constantly changing but does go to a phone tree voicemail that claims to be the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office does not typically call people on the telephone to tell them that they have a warrant. Law enforcement would never advise anyone to go and purchase gift cards or solicit payment for a warrant over the telephone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an officer and you have questions as to the validity you are encouraged to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at (262)335-4478 and can ask to speak to the officer or a shift supervisor.
Photo courtesy Inc.
I received one of these calls yesterday. I called the “real” Sheriff’s department to report it. Glad the public is being made aware of these scams.