Essex County Sheriff Deputy Imposter Scam Robs Man Of $12K

MIDDLETON, MA — The Essex County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday warned of a new scam in which someone who claims to be an Essex deputy demands money to settle an outstanding warrant.

The Sheriff's Office said one man fell for the scam and paid the imposter $12,000.

The Sheriff's Office advises that if anyone claiming to be from the office calls you on the phone and demands money, you should hang up and report the scam attempt to authorities.

"Don't share your personal information on the phone," the Sheriff's Office said in the advisory.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)