How to avoid getting scammed by people impersonating local law enforcement - KHOU.com

HOUSTON — Sheriff's departments around the country are warning about people claiming to be with local law enforcement who aren't who they say they are.

Sarah Cadwallader picked up her phone to hear what she thought was a sheriff's deputy on the line. A few hours later, he had left her a frightening voicemail.

"Mrs. Cadwallader you have some urgent matters that need to be addressed as soon as possible. You're not in any immediate trouble. Could you please contact me at your earliest convenience?" the voicemail says.

When she finally spoke to him live, he claimed she was overdue for court. He told her she had missed a court date involving a juvenile and if she did not appear, there would be a warrant out for her arrest.

As a social worker, Cadwallader thought it was legitimate.

"It was very scary, because I am thinking what did I miss? Maybe there was a court case or something," she said.

Luckily, Cadwllader had enough of her wits to put the caller on hold and text a friend who works in law enforcement. Her friend told her it was all a scam designed to get money from her.

"So my friend told me to hang up....and that the next thing they would want is money, and that they would want to settle it," Cadwallader said.

Now, she wants to warn others against this kind of scam.

"If you receive a call like that, ask questions, find out what county they are in. It is OK to say I'd like to check your badge number," she said.

Remember, no police or sheriff's department will call you demanding payment on the spot.

source: https://www.khou.com/article/money/consumer/scammers-impersonating-law-enforcement-officers/285-e99d2314-338c-47d3-8117-3b18cf0abf91

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