STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — The Stafford County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of scammers who appear to be impersonating law enforcement over the phone.
Officials say the well-known scam is on the rise in the county with deputies having to respond to multiple reports involving these scammers getting money through false pretenses.
The Stafford County Sheriff's Office says the scammers are identifying themselves as deputies and tell the victims they are wanted for missing jury duty and to avoid being arrested, the victim must transfer money into Bitcoin and send it to them.
"Many times, the suspects spoof their number in order to make it look like our non-emergency number," the sheriff's office said in a release.
Officials say these scams play on the victim's emotions and demand the victim act quickly or face legal action.
The sheriff's office is reminding residents that no law enforcement agency will demand money over the phone, including Bitcoin.
"We also do not accept Bitcoin as any kind of payment in any matters," the release reads.
If you ever get a phone call like this, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office says they say to hang up and call them directly and they will be able to properly inform you if you are wanted.
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