Hinds County Sheriff’s Officials said today that the phone scammers are at it once again.
Major Pete Luke said, “We have received numerous complaints today from citizens that have been contacted by scammers posing as Hinds County Warrants Deputies, asking the target to go to a local Walgreens or Kroger and obtain a Green-Dot money pack card to avoid being arrested and jailed.”
Scammers are “spoofing” the number from where the call originates to indicate that the caller is calling from an actual Sheriff’s Dept. number. Scammers are using real names of employees and one has created a business card with an actual employee’s name and a fictitious cell phone number on it. The scammer sends a text picture of the official business card in an effort to convince the would be victim that they are talking to a deputy.
The persons being targeted often feel they have no option but to cooperate and follow the scammers instructions on obtaining a Green-Dot money card. This results in huge financial losses for the victim.
Luke said, “Hang up on these callers, don’t fall victim to this scam.” “Law Enforcement will never ask you to get a money card in order for you to avoid jail.”
If you have been contacted by telephone by anyone identifying themselves as a Hinds County Deputy, asking for money, please contact the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and report it.
