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Critical Scam Alert Issued by Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office

Community meeting in Williamsburg to discuss the rise of impersonation scams.

News Summary

Residents in Williamsburg are warned about new impersonation scams, with scammers posing as deputies to extort money by claiming missed jury duty or outstanding warrants. The sheriff’s office stresses that no legitimate law enforcement calls will demand payment via phone. They advise residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls.

Williamsburg, Virginia – The Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical scam alert for residents following multiple reports of impersonation calls from someone pretending to be a deputy sheriff. These calls are particularly concerning, as the impersonator claims that victims have missed jury duty or have outstanding federal warrants, using aggressive tactics to extort money.

According to the sheriff’s office, the impersonator threatens to arrest victims if they hang up, creating a sense of urgency designed to intimidate individuals into compliance. The sheriff’s office has reiterated that law enforcement officials will never make phone calls regarding outstanding warrants or request payment through methods such as gift cards.

There has been a marked increase in these types of scams within James City County, with Detective Josh Ernst noting that the department receives daily reports of impersonation calls. The pressure and fear tactics used by scammers often lead to significant financial losses for victims, as they are misled into believing they must make immediate payments to avoid arrest.

Nature of the Scam

The calls typically include claims that federal or other warrants have been issued against the victim. Individuals may be told they missed a court appearance and need to transfer funds quickly to evade legal consequences. These interactions often play on the emotions of the victims, instilling fear to ensure compliance.

If a caller requests payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps, it is highly likely that the call is a scam. The sheriff’s office emphasizes that legitimate law enforcement activities will never include demands for financial transactions over the phone.

Recent Victim Experiences

A particularly unfortunate case in James City County involved a victim who reported substantial financial losses after falling prey to a similar scam. This incident underscores the need for heightened awareness among residents and the importance of recognizing the warning signs associated with such fraudulent activities.

Advice for Residents

The Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff’s Office strives to raise awareness about these scams to prevent further victims from encountering similar fates. The emphasis is on community safety and ensuring that citizens are well-informed about potential threats that may arise in the form of impersonation attempts. The office reassures the public that no officer from James City County law enforcement will contact individuals directly to request money, prioritizing community trust and safety in all interactions.

In summary, residents of Williamsburg and James City County are urged to exercise caution in the face of increasing impersonation scams. Awareness and skepticism are vital tools to combat these fraudulent operations, and prompt reporting to authorities can aid in protecting the community at large.