Deputies report increase in police impersonation scams in Houston County

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says these callers will claim you have warrants, missed court, or own a fine.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)  – The Houston County Sheriff’s office says it’s seeing an increase in police scam calls and text, making demands and threatening arrest.   

Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says these callers will claim you have warrants, missed court or owe a fine. He says they will demand immediate payment through apps, grift cards or crypto to avoid arrest.

“They’re using some app on the phone that can conceal the number or change the number they’re calling from to make it look like it’s coming from the sheriff’s office,” he said. “So, they are very sophisticated. And one thing I hear from victims is they’re very believable. When they talk to them, they put that fear of being arrested in them, and that they’re very convincing.”

Moulton says no law enforcement agency will ever call to inform you of a warrant, missing jury duty or unpaid traffic citations. 

“We’ll certainly never ask for money over the phone,” he said. “We’ll never tell you to go to a crypto currency kiosk to pay for a fine or anything like that.”

Sheriff Moulton says Houston County has recently made two arrests connected to scam callers demanding money.  

“We just recently made an arrest on a case, and there was a total of nine warrants signed for nine different individuals that were involved in this scam,” he said. “And the mastermind behind it is currently serving time in the Georgia state prison. So, he will be charged with that as well. A female was arrested as well. There are others that have warrants that will be arrested in relation to that case as well.”

Sheriff Moulton explained the information residents should gather if they suspect a scam caller. 

“Whatever they do, tell them not to confirm or provide any financial information,” he said. “Don’t ever give anyone your social security number, so be very careful not to be victimized by that. A lot of times when people realize they’ve been scammed,  they’re embarrassed, but we need that information. Especially if they transferred money to a Bitcoin kiosk or someone’s cash app, because we can use that to track them down, because that money has to go somewhere.”

If you believe you’re a victim of a scam caller, contact your local law enforcement.