LEWISTON, ID – The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents of another scam circulating the region. According to a press release, they received a call from a citizen stating that “Lt. Donald” advised them that they had a warrant and needed to pay it.
“There is no Lt. Donald that works at the Sheriff’s Office. The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office, or any other law enforcement office, would never call you to tell you that you have a warrant. Nor would we ever demand or tell you to pay the warrant via gift card or wire transfer,” the sheriff’s office says.
This is a common scam.
“These scammers have the ability to clone phone numbers, making it seem like the call is actually coming from a law enforcement office. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from this office or any other law enforcement office or entity, and they advise you that you have a warrant and need to pay it with a gift card or a wire transfer, hang up,” the press release says.
The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind citizens to be careful when doing business over the phone or the Internet. Be cautious if someone seems pushy about getting your information, especially your banking information.
“If someone calls you claiming to be a representative of an organization and you have doubts, call the organization directly and confirm they have business with you. Don’t give your information away unless you’re sure of who you’re dealing with,” the sheriff’s office adds.
Please pass this information on to anyone who doesn’t have social media, especially the elderly, who are often targeted by scammers.
