Delco sheriff warns of phone scam

The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office issued a release warning residents of scammers posing as sheriff’s deputies that are directing people to buy gift cards or prepaid money cards in order to avoid arrest.

“Do not withdraw money, buy pre-paid money or gift cards ever for this!” the release says. “This is a scam. If you receive this type of call, HANG UP! The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will never contact anyone by telephone and ask for payment of any kind to avoid arrest, ever!”

There are many versions of the scam, but they include similar themes, the release says. Generally, the caller will inform the target that they may be subject to arrest and will request a payment of some type as a bail or bond. The actual Sheriff’s Office number may even appear on the caller ID through the use of “spoofing” technology.

The target is typically directed to withdrawal money from the bank and make a payment at the Media Courthouse, the Sheriff’s Office or a kiosk, according to the release. These directions inevitably change with the scammer redirecting the target to go to a retail establishment and purchase gift or pre-paid money cards.

The scammers will then ask over the phone for the pertinent information on the cards and may direct the target to then mail the cards to an address, the release says, but once they have obtained the information from the cards, the money is already gone.

“Do not withdraw money, buy pre-paid money or gift cards ever for this!. This is a scam. If you receive this type of call, HANG UP! The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office will never contact anyone by telephone and ask for payment of any kind to avoid arrest, ever!”

— Delaware County Sheriff’s Office