A pervasive scam that continues to circulate in Hamilton County is the threat of arrest for not appearing in court or for jury duty. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has recently been made aware of residents who have received telephone calls requiring them to purchase prepaid credit cards and submit a payment in order to avoid arrest. In yet another twist on the scam, officials said the perpetrators use the names of real police officers and sheriff deputies to make the scam seem more legitimate. In recent cases, the victim has been told to purchase a Green Dot Money Pack Voucher as means of payment. The victim is told to take the prepaid credit card to court but then called back and asked for the card number.
The sheriff’s office wants to remind residents that arrest warrants in the county are never served by telephone. Bonds and other similar payments are not generally paid by prepaid credit cards or wire transfers. Technology can provide false and misleading Caller ID services so if in doubt, disconnect from the call, look up an appropriate phone number, or call the Hamilton County Communications Center at 773-1282 so an officer can investigate the complaint. Warrants are entered daily and taken out of the computer system once served. To check for active Hamilton County warrants call 776-9800 and choose option 2.
