FRAUD ALERT - 01/06: Sheriff Joseph P. Baron is warning residents not to fall for a new phone scam involving the Norfolk Sheriff's Office

A resident recently reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be an NSO lieutenant. The "lieutenant" claimed to have warrants for failing to appear in court. The caller told the resident she must post bond at the Norfolk Sheriff's Office, even masking the phone number of the incoming call to look like it came from an NSO phone line. The caller, threatening jail time if a fine wasn't paid immediately, use a common scam tactic of requiring the payment in the form of moneypaks or gift cards.

 

"Anytime a scammer uses my name or the name of the Norfolk Sheriff's Office to attempt to harm a local resident is deeply upsetting," Sheriff Joseph Baron said. "The Norfolk Sheriff's Office strives every day to make a positive difference, and we want our residents to trust their instincts and remember that we would never demand payment over the phone. I'm grateful this resident trusted her instinct and called to report the issue."

 

The Norfolk Sheriff's Office Consumer Protection Unit is investigating the incident. Please remember you can report any suspicious calls to the NSO CPU or to the NPD's Economic Crimes Division.