Beware of Sheriff and Police Impersonation Scams

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people into sending money or sharing personal information. One scam currently affecting Ohio residents involves callers pretending to be law enforcement officers.

The caller may claim you:

  • Missed jury duty

  • Have an outstanding warrant

  • Owe a fine or court fee

  • Need to make an immediate payment to avoid arrest

These calls can sound convincing. Scammers may use the names of real officers, courts, or government agencies. They may even "spoof" their caller ID so it appears the call is coming from a local law enforcement agency.

Red Flags to Watch For 🚩

Be cautious if a caller:

✅ Threatens arrest or legal action over the phone

✅ Demands immediate payment

✅ Requests payment by gift card, Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, Cash App, Venmo, wire transfer, or prepaid card

✅ Pressures you to stay on the phone while making a payment

✅ Refuses to let you verify the information independently

Protect Yourself 💙

If you receive a suspicious call:

  1. Hang up immediately.

  2. Do not provide personal information.

  3. Do not send money.

  4. Contact the agency directly using a phone number you find independently from an official website or trusted source.

  5. If the caller claims to be from the Erie County Sheriff's Office, contact the office directly to verify the information.

What If You Already Sent Money?

If you believe you may have fallen victim to a scam:

  • Contact your financial institution immediately.

  • Report the incident to local law enforcement.

  • Change any passwords that may have been shared.

  • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.

Remember

Law enforcement agencies do not call demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest. When someone pressures you to act quickly, take a step back and verify the information before taking any action.

When in doubt, hang up and contact the organization directly.

Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe.

 

Think you've received a scam call?
Contact Erie Community FCU before sending money or sharing account information. We're happy to help you determine whether something looks suspicious. 💙

That makes the post more member-focused and positions the credit union as a resource, not just a warning.

💰 Financial Education, 🔒 Fraud & SecurityJennifer GastErie Community Federal Credit UnionScam Alert, Identity Theft, Phone Scams, Sheriff Scam, Erie County, Sandusky Ohio, Financial Safety, Consumer Protection, Fraud Prevention, Personal Security, Member EducationComment