Scam Alert: Middlesex Sheriff's Office Warns Of Impersonators

BILLERICA, MA — The Middlesex Sheriff's Office is warning of someone using their name to attempt to scam people out of their money. A resident who quickly recognized the scam reported that someone called her, identifying himself as a member of the sheriff's office, and telling her that she owed bond money for not responding to a subpoena.

The scammer even used the name of a retired officer — from the Middlesex County, New Jersey sheriff's office. And when she hung up, they called her again, with caller ID showing "Middlesex Sheriff's Office," according to the office's press release.

"This scam is similar to previously reported ones in which callers pose as members of law enforcement, the IRS or the courts, claiming warrants have been issued for residents’ failure to pay taxes or perform jury duty. The imposters will tell those they have called that they can avoid arrest if they pay an immediate fine," the release said.

“As these scams evolve and spread, it’s critical that residents be aware of the underlying similarities so that they can protect themselves and their hard-earned money,” Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian said in a statement. “In this case, the intended victim immediately recognized this was a scam and notified us, allowing us to alert the public.”

The Federal Communications Commission has more information on spoofing, where scammers falsify caller ID information.