Washington County Sheriff warns residents about new phone scam

Sheriff Joel Cochran said no deputy from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will ever call to collect bond money.

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new phone scam targeting local citizens.

According to the sheriff’s office, scammers are calling residents while pretending to be deputies. The callers claim a family member is in jail and demand payment to post bond.

Sheriff Joel Cochran said no deputy from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office will ever call to collect bond money.

Cochran said if you get a call like this, hang up immediately. He added not to share personal information and not to send money.

He also advised residents not to go to Walmart to buy prepaid credit cards of any kind for payment. If you receive a call, contact the sheriff’s office so it can be documented.

Officials urge anyone who receives such a call to contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office so the incident can be documented.

“Scammers are persistent, but so are we,” Cochran said. “Stay sharp, trust your gut, and don’t let anyone push you into a panic.”

The sheriff’s office thanked the community for its continued vigilance and reminded residents to stay alert.