Scam Artists Target Victims Using Names Of JeffCo Deputies

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — A phone scam has made its rounds throughout Jefferson County, wherein a caller fraudulently claims to be a well-known Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy.

Scam artists are contacting citizens and advising them they have missed a court date or failed to pay a fee ordered by the courts, according to Sgt. Joni Money of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

"They are identifying themselves as members of law enforcement, often using names of law enforcement officials that may be familiar," Money said. "The scammer convinces the victim that they must pay the scammer an amount of money in order to keep from being arrested. The scammer may ask for information from a prepaid credit card or for cash to be left for them at a specific location. Please don’t fall for it."

Money said members of law enforcement will never call and ask for money over the phone, nor will they ask anyone to leave cash at an unusual location.

"If you receive a call like this, please reach out to your local law enforcement agency and report what is going on immediately," Money said. "Do not give anyone any personal or financial information over the phone. It is upsetting to see our citizens being scammed out of their hard earned money, particularly during the holiday season and during this pandemic."