The Sheriff’s Office is warning Linn County residents about a scam technique that, Sheriff Bruce Riley said, is currently on the rise locally.
“Citizens have been receiving telephone calls from a male subject who identifies himself as Capt. Dan Messick,” Riley said.
“The male advises you of an outstanding warrant for your arrest and because you did not show up for court, you now have a federal subpoena. The caller then asks you to get a pre-paid money card and pay your fine over the telephone.
The phone number is often blocked or shows long distance.”
Local law enforcement agencies have received five such calls in the second week of August, he said.
“This is extremely alarming to our office, as we do have a Captain Messick employed at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.
“We would like to remind our citizens that the Linn County Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone or electronically.
“These are well-known scams. Please do not give out any personal information to someone you do not know; this includes your account numbers, Social Security numbers, names, addresses and date of birth.”
Anyone who has been victimized by such a scams and has been defrauded of money or personal information is requested to call their local law enforcement agency and report it immediately, Riley said.
Another recommended option if a scam is suspected, but a victim has not been defrauded, is to directly report it to the United States Department of Justice at http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/contact/report-fraud.html.