Residents are being urged to hang up immediately after a surge in scam phone calls from people falsely claiming to be sheriff’s deputies or employees demanding money to avoid arrest.
BURNSVILLE, N.C. — The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a sharp increase in scam phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be deputies or employees of the sheriff’s office.
According to Sheriff Shane Hilliard, the callers often appear to be calling from local phone numbers with the 828 area code, making the calls appear legitimate.
The scammers allegedly tell victims they have an outstanding warrant, failed to appear in court, missed jury duty or owe a fine. They then pressure people to make an immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal consequences.
“The goal of these scammers is to create fear and urgency so people act before they have time to think,” Hilliard said. “We want our citizens to know that these calls are fraudulent. Do not allow anyone claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office to pressure you into sending money or providing personal or financial information over the phone.”
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it does not collect court fines by phone and does not accept payments to clear warrants, avoid arrest or resolve court matters through unsolicited calls.
Officials also warned residents never to provide banking information, credit card numbers or other personal financial information to unsolicited callers claiming to represent law enforcement.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up immediately and contact the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office using its publicly listed telephone number to verify any claims.
The sheriff’s office is encouraging residents to share the warning with family members, friends and neighbors who may be targeted.
Key Points
- The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a surge in scam phone calls.
- Scammers falsely claim victims owe fines or face arrest unless they make immediate payments.
- Residents should hang up and contact the sheriff’s office directly using its published phone number.
