Hamilton Co. Sheriff Mark Bowen is once again reminding area residents to be aware of a pervasive telephone scam that leaves victims open to theft and identity theft.
In a new, local twist to the cyclical scam again rearing its head in the area, violators have recently began using Sheriff Bowen’s name along with the names of local judges and law enforcement in order to make their scam seem more realistic.
Scammers have called victims claiming to work for the local court or sheriff’s office and inform the victim of a failure to report for jury duty. The victim is told that an arrest warrant has been issued for failure to report for jury duty and will pressure the victim to either send money by prepaid credit card or wire transfer to “take care of” the warrant or may ask the victim for confidential personal information to “verify” the warrant.
Arrest warrants in Hamilton Co. are never served over the phone and the sheriff’s office is urging residents not to be tempted to give out private information — such as date of birth, social security number or credit card number — over the phone or send money by prepaid credit card or wire transfer. Such transactions are nearly impossible to trace once sent, and in at least one local case potential victims were directed to a specific local store in order to purchase a prepaid credit card or send a wire transfer.
To report becoming a victim or receiving a potential scam call, call Hamilton Co. Public Safety Communications at 317-773-1282.
